Shine Your Light

Recently I have begun a process to extend my work, to get it out to more people. Some of you have read my blogs. Some of you have read my books. I decided it was time to play bigger, to take more responsibility, and to shine the light that is within me.

I am not special. You have a light to shine, too. Is it shining as much as it could? Are you stepping up and playing bigger? I don't know at what age you get to ignore what others think of you and just be yourself. My guess is that it's whatever age you are right now. This is the time to do some sorting. What is important to you, and what is not?

Where do you spend your time? Is it mostly in front of the television or on the internet? Other escape activities? Escape is a necessary thing, but it can be overdone. If you spend three hours in front of the television every day, and you took one of those hours and devoted it to something productive, what would be the result? Consider one of the following:
• One hour of prayer and meditation
• One hour of writing
• One hour of creative expression through art or music
• One hour with your children or grandchildren
• One hour talking with your spouse or significant other
• One hour working out
• One hour building a business
Choose one of the above or some other activity of value and ask yourself: "Would this add value to my life, or to the lives of others? How would I feel?

For those of you whose schedules are already overwhelming, step back. Does everything you do serve your highest good? Is it worth the time and energy? Does each activity support your purpose? What could you cut out? What doesn't really feed you but feeds on you instead?Are you willing to let it go?

It's time to shine your light. It's time to step up and be heard. What are you here to do? Take a deep breath; stand tall with excellent posture; look at people directly in their eyes; and speak with confidence. Don't shrink or play small. Don't try to intimidate or overwhelm. Speak with authority.

Recently a man who did shine his light fully passed away. His name was Stephen Covey and he was 79 years old. Covey's bestseller, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, sold 20 million copies. He built a publishing and learning empire on the foundation of that book. Stephen didn't die of old age. He died from injuries sustained from a bicycle accident-- head injury, cracked ribs, and partially collapsed lung. He lost control on a downhill ride. Almost everyone who has offered workshops and speeches related to leadership has been influenced by Covey. His light will continue to shine long after his passing.

One day you will pass on. What will be your legacy? Will the world be better because you were here? Will you die with joy in your heart, or full of resentments and disappointments? How will you live between now and then? We don't know the exact moment of our earthly death. We do know the exact moment of our life. It's right now! Right now you can choose to cease blaming and complaining and avoiding. You can choose to envision joy and freedom and shining your light. You can begin the sorting process and find somewhere within you the courage and the resolve to let go of fearful thoughts and claim your joy. You are a blessing to the world, and if you don't know that yet -- intend to know it and you will.