Shining your light

This last weekend was filled with lots of deep conversations – about what we want out of life, relationships, friendships, and how to feel like we’re making a difference that matters with our work. It’s just the kind of conversations that I know we would have if we were to spend a weekend together (which is really exciting, because last week I found the perfect location for the TCL weekend retreat in October – but more about that later).

Something that came up this weekend is how scary it can be, to truly put yourself out there – to put it all on the line and stand up for what you believe in.

A lot of us women, especially, have been raised to be “polite” and “nice.” We are trained to be less outspoken and more conforming. But, when we really think about it, we have a lot of opinions, feelings, and expertise – ones that might not be congruent with all the people around us. If we start sharing those opinions, or showcasing our own brilliance, we may just offend someone, upset someone, or show a dear friend something that conflicts with how they are living. Perhaps you truly believe that eating lots of vegetables, or working out regularly, is essential to a healthy lifestyle, but if you start sharing that as an essential mantra in your business, will you offend a friend who isn’t really living a healthy lifestyle? Perhaps you have strong opinions about parenting, or you’ve learned something through a trauma you’ve been through – the more you start sharing your experiences, beliefs, and your truth, the more vulnerable you are to judgement from those near and far from you.

It can be scary to be vulnerable. But can you really inspire, connect and change the world if you always play it safe? If you don’t put yourself out there and stand up for what you believe in?

“In the beginning, people think vulnerability will make you weak, but it does the opposite. It shows you’re strong enough to care.” ~ Victoria Pratt

Through sharing your beliefs and expertise – by shining your light – you are paving the way for others to do the same. You have the ability to create community around a cause that many people truly care about, but may not have had an outlet to express themselves around – allowing others with similar passions and purpose to connect and build something greater than existed before. It may be scary, but it is also very powerful, to show, with confidence, what your truths are, deep inside.

I fully believe that to change the world, you must be willing to put it all on the line, and let those around you see who you truly are, what you truly are passionate about.

I hope this week, and this month, you keep shining your light more than ever before. Allow people to see you – the true you – with confidence. Know that when you share what is aligned in your heart, the people who love you will accept and support you. And new people, whom you hadn’t shared a powerful connection with before, will be drawn to you creating new connections and friendships. It is not just a new business you are creating, it is the beginning of a powerful community and a lifelong journey of personal empowerment.