One of my favorite quotes is by Maryanne Williamson and it states, “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
frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented and famous?’…”Have you ever asked yourself that question? “Who am I to be… ____________?” Who are you to be successful in this career? Who are you to be the best mother, wife, father, husband? Who are you to put yourself out there and expect the best not only of others but of yourself?
Who are you?
It is the second part of the quote that is my favorite part: “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 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 all of us…”
All of us. That means me and that means you. We were created for greatness. It is OUR responsibility to not let fear stand in the way of that greatness.
I have a technique I use when I am afraid. I will admit, fear is one of the thing I struggle with most. I know that nothing productive can come from fear and worry, and yet I still continue to find myself scared of the outcome of certain situations.
When I begin to feel afraid I ask myself, “What is the WORST possible thing that could happen from me doing this?” Then I proceed to let my imagination run wild until I reach what truly would be the worst possible scenario. I then ask myself, “Then what?”
What will you do then? What will you do when faced with the worst-case-scenario?
It may be hard. Depending on the situation it may be the most difficult thing you have ever done. But chances are you will deal with it. Your life is not going to end. You will be okay. Fear is often False Evidence Appearing Real. The consequences we create in our head are often far worse than what would actually happen in reality.
We often make the mistake of allowing our minds to run wild with the “what ifs” but never asking ourselves, “Then what?” What would you do? How would you deal with it? Your own strength may surprise you.
Another thing to ask yourself is, “What is the WORST possible thing that could happen from me NOT doing this?” The answer may surprise you. You may find out that the consequences of not trying are far great than of trying and not succeeding.
Think for a moment about what I’ve said as you read the final part of this quote:
“And when 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.”
Today I am choosing to be liberated from my own fear. I hope my courage inspires you to do the same!
———————–
Jordan
lives with her husband Robert in Lubbock, Texas with their 3 dogs and
two horses. Because both her parents have always been self-employed, she
had an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age and began her first
business at the age of 17. It was at that time that she first became
fascinated with the subject of personal development and the impact a
personal education can have on a person’s life. She grew up riding
horses and competing in Dressage shows all across Texas and New Mexico.
The sport continues to be one of the primary passions in her life and if
she is not working or spending time with her family you can usually
find her at the barn. Jordan has two younger siblings, Clayton and
Paige, whom she is very close to, and she greatly enjoys spending time
with her family. She and Robert enjoy entertaining friends at their home
(especially during football season – Go Red Raiders!) and they love to
travel the world and experience new countries and cultures together.Her latest book is Lifetime of Achievement.