Playing Small Does Not Serve the World, It's Time to Shine

I was recently at fantastic, life changing event, Celebrate Your Life, a 3 day conference where I had the opportunity to take workshops from many inspirational, visionary leaders such as Debbie Ford, Elizabeth Lesser, Byron Katie, John Holland, Sonia Choquette and Michael Tamura.  All had messages of renewed hope and the need to step up to the task at hand and do what we are called to do in the world, NOW.     

For everyone this will look different, yet each of you has a crucial role to play.  Playing full out is what is called for at this juncture. You have heard  this before, yet if warrants repeating...each of you have your own unique gifts that only you can do that certain way.  When you think you're not good enough, smart enough, creative enough....think again.  If you have been given an idea or have a passion for something you are worthy enough to fulfill it and can find a way to create your vision; otherwise, it would not have been your idea or passion. Someone else would fulfill it.   

PLAYING FULL OUT MAY COME AFTER THE GIFT OF ADVERSITY & HARDSHIP

Sometime playing full out and finding your purpose comes after adversity or hardship. Debbie Ford, for instance, was a drug addict with multiple failed in patient-drug rehab stints before finally breaking her habit. Then she spent many years exploring her “shadow side” that she previously ignored.   Now her passion is in helping others explore their shadow in order to be more joyful and free to reclaim their spiritual power, inner brilliance and dreams. 

Byron Katie was clinically depressed and suicidal- barely getting out of bed for over a year.  Then she had a profound revelation: When she argued with her reality she suffered.  When she questioned her stressful thoughts and did what it now called The Work she became joyfully and present to herself and others.  This is how her passion to help others live to their fullest capacity and free of judgment, blame, power struggles and anger was born.  

PLAYING FULL OUT MAY COME FROM THE GIFT OF LIVING AN UNFULFILLING OR STAGNANT LIFE WHEN YOU FINALLY KNOW IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE 

Generally people will not change unless there is a powerful force pushing them in another direction they are no longer able to ignore.  I stayed 10 years longer in a career I had chosen in my 20’s because of fear.   I was full of excuses and rationale reasons on why self employment would not work yet that still, small voice (and sometimes not so small) kept prodding me in a different direction.  I had outgrown my chosen career and burnout was setting in daily. I’m a slow learner, but finally knew it was time to take the leap.  I now have a small, yet growing business that I’m passionate about supporting others in building their businesses with integrity.    

What dreams do you have that you’ve forgotten that you no longer can ignore? 

Is it time to write that book, travel to that place you’d dreamt about, take up the piano or painting, make a career change, strengthen your relationships?….Your gift to the world is very crucial at this time in the world… you are the only one that can do it with your unique talents and flair. 

It is time to shine so believe you will be guided in the direction you need to go.  Start today by taking one small step in the direction of your passion.  You were born to shine!