our deepest fear

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 and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. 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.

—Marianne Williamson

Each and every person has a gift to give to the world. Everyone has a purpose. Life is not meant to be wasted in fear; it is not be to wasted wondering "what if." There is not enough time to modest, hiding our talents, our gifts. What good is it to cover up our best qualities because we are afraid that someone else may not accept us, may bring us down. Or perhaps it's the other way around. Maybe it's that you don't want to discourage others because you are afraid to be prideful. But, the truth is, everyone has something to offer. Everyone has something to be proud of. No one is perfect. No one will ever be perfect. But, to be proud and to be helpful are different. There is a difference between boasting and giving to others what you have been given. It is about using those gifts to the fullest. You're not going to be good at everything. No one is good at everything. But, it is the people who target their own traits and use them to their best ability that are hope to this world. It's about pleasing the One who created you, who gave you life. It is about making Him proud. You, me, your neighbors next door, your classmates, your parents, your coach, your mentor, the stranger you pass on the street, everyone has a gift. Let that gift shine. Let yourself shine because this is your chance to leave an impression on the world. This is your chance to pave your future, to decide how you will be spending your life eternally. Be strong, be courageous, because you are special, you are unique, you are amazing. You can do whatever you set your mind to. You can imapact and influence. You can make a difference. You can change those around you, and those will change others around them. You can be a light in the darkness.