April Magazine 2016 | Page 54

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