One of my friends, David Mattches, recently found himself being quoted on an American website and a Canadian website. They were talking about a brief story he spoke aloud on a music cd about 20 years ago and it stunned him that people were passing it on as a source of Inspiration.
Most of us would like to inspire others and encourage the people around us. When I read something that moves me deeply I always wish I’d written it – especially if it whizzes around the world and affirms people like David’s words have.
I was reminded about another powerful quote recently and thought it was worth sharing. Some people mistakenly attribute it to Nelson Mandela but it was actually written by Marianne Williamson in her book ‘A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles’
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”