I’m not going to waste your time, so I’ll let you know straight up, I’m AWESOME! Awe-to-tha-some! Please understand that it has taken years, decades even, for me to be able to say that and mean it. That is the bestest feeling e-verrrr! Do you believe and feel the same about yourself? Oh yeah? So, why are you awesome but no one knows it? It’s a simple question, so you can finish staring me up and down and rolling your eyes, I’ll wait…..Cool? Cool. Now, here’s something that you need to know that has guided me to that belief and feeling: We’ve all been commanded and created to SHINE! Here’s something that I know: You’ve heard all of this before. Am I right or am I right? But this time, let me focus on some differences that you may not have heard or thought of when it comes to this whole “Shining” concept:
You Wear the Cloak of Invisibility
Have you ever been in a meeting, conversation, or group setting and someone is teaching a subject that you are an expert in? I mean, it’s your lane. Truly. No shade, but the chick that is delivering on the information super highway is about to cause a major accident to occur because she’s all in your lane and needs to get back in hers… yet you say nothing. You don’t flash your hazard lights; beep your horn….NOTHING. People in the room or group can sense that you’re there, but you choose to blend in and not be seen because you have on your Cloak of Invisibility. After all, Harry no longer has any need for it since he’s defeated Voldemort, and it’s waaaaay too cool for someone as chic as you not to put to use. I get it. Unfortunately, it’s causing those you encounter to lose out on solutions to their problem(s) when you choose to hide and not make your presence conspicuously known.
Lesson UNlearned: Holding back your “shine” by being silent and blending in costs those around you who need your brilliance more than it costs you and your need to feel comfortable in obscurity. Get over yourself and Shine Bright!
You Believe Everything You Think
Have you ever had a bad thought? Did you Ripley’s-Believe-It-Or-Not? If you dwelled on a negative thought, then I’m sure you arrived at the place of believing what you thought. Negative thoughts come to your mind specifically to attach themselves to the sacred places of your soul. Your soul houses your thoughts, emotions, and intellect, so there’s a lot going on there all the time. Allowing thoughts to dwell in your soul that directly contradict the truth of who you are dims your light. Being consumed by negative thoughts doesn’t make room for the positive ones to show up and party! I mentioned before that we all have been commanded to shine, and it’s true! You can read in the best-selling book of all time, and it’s in Matthew 5:1,6 just in case you want to confirm the greatness I just dropped in your lap!
Lesson UNlearned: Thoughts are just that, thoughts, and you have full control over what you choose or choose not to do with them. The bottom line is you don’t have to believe everything that you think. It’s ok, I once thought that I could eat whatever I wanted and stay skinny for the rest of my life until my late 30s let me know that was a lie! It’s ok, it was just a thought……..deal with your thoughts and Shine On!
You’re Not Afraid of the Dark
Have you ever come home from an unexpected late-night out and didn’t have any lights on in the house, but because you know your house so well, you’re able to navigate your way to the light switch with little to no problem? You were comfortable moving around in the dark because YOU know the territory and YOU are comfortable with your surroundings because it’s YOUR domain or area of expertise, but what about the rest of us?! Some of us pull pistols and cause accidents to occur when we hear something go bump in the night. Darkness may not bother you, but it bothers me, especially when I’m in unfamiliar territory. When I chose not to shed light in the form of wisdom, knowledge, experience, or all of the above in a situation that I had the full capacity to do so, it meant that I conspired to allow those who needed my help to grope in darkness unnecessarily.
Lesson UNlearned: Being well acquainted with darkness in your own space and not lighting the way for others is not operating from a place of service; it’s actually selfish. Don’t assume that because you know something, others know it too. There’s some sense that just isn’t that common. Light the way for others and Shine UNapologetically!
Let these lessons UNlearned help you to stop housing what was never meant for you to keep to yourself. Your brilliant shine is not for you! Serve others by empowering them to be seen, believe what’s true about themselves, and light up the dark places of their lives by SHINING BRIGHT!
Lorea M. Sample: The 411?: Grew up in Philadelphia, PA, and now resides in Columbia, SC. In 2001, by a miracle, but mainly perseverance, I graduated from Clemson University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. By day I’m an Engineer with a 10+ year career in Environmental Engineering, BUT by PURPOSE I’m a Speaker & Entrepreneur in the Business of Worthiness with the mission to empower women of influence to get unstuck and accomplish more in life by UNlearning UNworthinessTM. A lot of things are learned, but I help women live the UNlearned LifeTM through Speaking, Coaching, Events, & Storytelling. I love kickboxing training (I’m dangerous!), running (well, kinda like jogging-walking-jogging), crocheting, participating in my local church, and playing with my puppy-child, Alex, my adorable 5-year-old yorkie-poo! If you wanna see how I roll on the regular, check me out on:
