We Must ShineBy Christian de la Huerta April, 2008.
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Life truly is about becoming all that we can be, to reclaim the Army's slogan. As Tom Waddell, founder of the Gay Games, once said, "To do one's personal best is the ultimate of all human achievement." That is the goal toward which to stretch, step by step, or leap by leap, in our own time, at our own pace. As our beauty unfolds and our hearts open, we become gentler and more compassionate, yet brighter, more empowered, and fearless.
We have been holding on, holding back, playing small, hiding our light under a bushel. Enough of that. It is time to let go. We are needed now—all of us. That means each one of us completely, without holding anything back, with as much wholeness and integrity as we can muster. It also means all of us together—all those who feel a calling to do something, to be who we are to the fullest, to make a difference, to give it all we've got, regardless of the consequences.
It is time to show our true colors, time to let ourselves be seen, time to emerge in our best outfits. It is time to let the light out, let it through, and let it shine. It is time to feel our beauty inside, underneath all the crap. For it is in there, under all the blockages, all the lies, all the conditioning, underneath our pasts. It is there beneath the rage, the hatred—towards self and others—the anger, the disappointment, the confusion, the loneliness, the pain, the tears, the rejection, the tragedy of life. It is time to come out now—in all our radiant magnificence.
In the words of Marianne Williamson:
"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 the child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. 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're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
...There are no limits to what we can do or accomplish. There are no limits to who we can be. What beauty is brewing in you as you read these very words? Why not let go now whatever has held you back? What do you have to lose—except fear, limitation, mediocrity, unfulfillment, and lies? Why not go for excellence—in whatever way or form you choose to express it?...
The effect we can have on the world is unimaginable. The world needs us now. The Earth needs us. Spirit needs us. We need us. Will you help heal our community? Will you help change the world?
