A Return to Love, by 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, fabulous?
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 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 are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
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When I first read the above passage from Marianne Williamson’s book, A Return to Love, I was not only hit by a new perspective about fear but also on achievement in life. Our deepest is found in each of us. What also struck me is, “Are we also responsible for whatever we are achieving or not achieving in life?” The link may not be as obvious as what we would hope it to be and it we certainly are responsible to a great extent.
As I recalled a thought which I have previously about wealth. I have always been thinking about what wealth can do for one. I realize after reading the passage that subconsciously I have rejected wealth because of some of the things that I do not want to do with wealth and what I may become of it; I was focusing too much on what I did not want to do with wealth than on what I can possibly do with it. It is good to know what we do not want but the focus should be on the good we can do with it. Repainted the images!
How about you? Are there any areas in your life where you are under achieving because of the fear of who you will become or what you will do?
Love quotes and sayings by Marianne Williamson
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Photo credit: Adina Voicu
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That is a real good question you are asking. The truth is that I never looked at it that way, but it certainly hits me right in the face like it did to you. I guess this fear blocks a lot of good things coming into our lives.
@ Jazz, the concept is actually similar to something I had heard a few year ago. However, the one that I heard before states it as self sabotaging. This too can block a lot of good things coming into our lives. It is enlightening to me. 🙂
I know fear has held me back in my life. I read a book a long time ago called “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway”. It was a good book and I learned from it, but I wish I could say it completely eliminated me getting in my own way sometimes.
@ Bradley, that sounds like a good book, which I want to read too. I guess fear can never be eliminated completely in our lives but it offers an opportunity for us to grow. 🙂
I subscribe to the ‘fake it till you make it’ camp. If you act like you can do something or be something sometimes you just surprise yourself.
Kelleys last blog post..Party, par-tay and my husband thinks I am awesome.
I must admit I’m under achieving because I have fear of who I become but the only thing that stop me is Love. Love for my family. Have a blessed Sunday.
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I think fear plays a big part in why people do and don’t do things…but you can either control it or let it control you.
@ Kelley, that is certainly one way – to be first. I use the same tactic especially when I am having challenge doing something. I just tell myself that I know how to do it and I go on to learning how to do it.
@ Joy, I am not sure what fear you have of what you will become, but would not your family be happy if you are achieving more in life? Of course achieving more in life does not equate to just financially, it is achieving more in all areas in your life as in career, health, relationship etc.
@ Chelle, I agree that fear plays a big part in why people do and don’t do things. It may not necessary be a bad things especially when we are talking about doing something bad – the fear of punishment would stop some from doing bad. However, if it is doing something good and beneficial to oneself and to other, then that fear is an opportunity to grow.
Wow, that IS a good question, and one that I’ve never thought about. I’d like to say I try my best at most things in life but that which is important. I excel in my career, yet feel like I could be a better mother. I have abundant faith, but a really hard time expressing it and sharing it with others.
So thank you grabbing my attention with this, it’s definitely something I need to examine!
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“As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” so true.
If we could just eliminate the fear in our lives, our possibilities are endless.
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@ Brandie, giving your best shot in everything you do – I think that is most important. Everyone should be doing just that. It is good that you are clear about what you did well and what you can improve on. I believe that you can surly work out a balance in your career, family, health and everything you want in your life. I am sure you can do it!
@ lala, the possibilities are indeed endless when we face our fear and work with them in our lives. 🙂
This is SO powerful! Hubby and I were having a little “midlife” talk the other week about where we expected we’d be at this point (turning 35 & 39 next month), and I think this captures so much of what we’re feeling.
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@ Mozi, I find it a very empowering thought. 🙂
Relevant question. I have a lot although I’d rather keep them to myself. Some I’ve managed to conquer although a lot I’m still struggling to fight. Maybe I fear fear if that makes sense……
Haven’t read that book yet although I’ll try to get my hands on it 😉
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@ Ivy, you fear fear … that is something to ponder on. 🙂
Hi,
That is beautiful and so true. If you visit my blog you will see that I write about the same thing. I would like to post Marianne Williamson on my blog as well. I hope you do not mind. Let me know,
Thanks for sharing,
Take Care,
Janet:)
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I am a true person who fears rejection, and abandonment. I am utterly confident on the outside, but internal struggle has caused many issues. I also am going to post Marianne Williamson, not on a post, but to stay on my site. As a reminder. Thank you..blessings!
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@ Janet, thank you. Marianne Williamson’s words are indeed empowering. I believe you can post it in your blog as long as you provide the credit to her. 🙂
@ Kimmy, you are most welcome! It is good that Marianne Williamson’s words could give you inspiration like it does for me.
I’ve always really loved this quote. It really puts things into perspective about the fundamental fears and needs of every human being. Thanks for the awesome reminder.
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@ Ben, glad that you like this. The deepest fear is within each of us. We have to overcome our own journey within.