a perspective that entices you into more positive
thinking, which will ultimately impact your life. In
fact, I guarantee happiness and joy are yours. If
you can practice small actions that lead to shifts in
your life, it will lead to shifts in the lives of others
and make the world a better place.
It is remarkable to me how we sabotage our
own happiness and block our light from shining;
blocked by our self-consciousness, ego, and fears.
Why do we do such a disservice to ourselves?
Why do we create such a difficult task out of what
ultimately will bring joy both to us and the world?
If we witness one who we love, a best friend or
sibling for example, hide their light, we would just
want to shake them and place them in front of the
mirror and say, “Look! Don’t you see how beautiful
you are? Don’t you see your contribution to the
world? Please shine for you and for us!”
So how do we shake ourselves?
I have been in a place where I had so much fear
and self-consciousness from being bullied, not
supported by those who were closest to me, and
from feeling inadequate. As I grew up, I got tired
of not being happy and I knew there was a light
inside of me begging to get out, but I kept it
pushed down, squandered it, suffocated it, and
gave it no voice. Perhaps you can relate?
We have pasts we have either not addressed or
healed from, and the negatives from the past
have created our fears (fears = self-doubt, low
self-esteem, trauma, anger, etc.). These fears get
in the way. In fact, we carry those fears and wear
them like armor to avoid being hurt. We may not
even know we are doing this! We just know we
are not happy.
It’s time to take the heavy armor off. It’s not
about being vulnerable, it’s about wanting
joy and love to permeate straight through to
your soul. Give yourself permission to shine!
You are worthy. You are deserving. You are
strong enough to drop the baggage.
Take a look at the suggestions below.
Here are some things you can do to shine
your light:
1. Smile! Smile at yourself in the mirror,
at strangers, at you dog or cat! Be
aware while you are walking around if
you are sporting a scowl or shining a
smile. It really does make a difference.
It will change your chemistry. It will have you
focusing on happy thoughts. People will mirror
you back and that feels great!
2. Express your love. Say “I love you” to yourself
and to others. It’s not about being romantic, it’s
about acceptance, understanding, and trust.
This is the essence of love. For someone to feel
one with you it must come from the heart. It’s
comforting and a wonderful feeling of support.
Everyone needs to hear they are loved.
3. Act selflessly. When you do kind acts, without
expectation, it just feels good.
4. Take time to listen. Allowing someone the
safe space to talk to you allows you to help
them through healing and allows us to be
open to more awareness and mindfulness.
5. Forgive. Being forgiving of yourself an