Shine From Within

(Photo curtesy of Withdrawal)

 

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

Maya Angelou.

 

Well, as you can see, my light has not been shining much around here lately.

My light, it seems, has diminished. However, it has not gone out completely.

At least not yet.

I’ve still been writing. Just not blogging.

Truth be told, I teeter between the blogging and not blogging.

I mean, am I really a blogger?

Does what I think or say really matter?

Does my light shine from within?

When I say “shine from within,” I’m not speaking about an inner glow or an outer radiance that may illuminate my eyes and facial expressions.

What I’m referring to is confidence.

Confidence in my own abilities. Confidence in the talent of others. A confidence so strong, it will not only inspire myself, but others—invoking strength from within.

Because, quite frankly, I don’t know if I’m all that inspiring.

Yet, isn’t it inspiration that lights us up from within?

It is said “our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate…It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.” ~Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles.”

Interesting. So does this mean we are frightened of our own success?

That would make sense, because if we’re frightened of success, that would only play havoc with our confidence.

Maybe we should ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant? Who am I to be gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who am I not to be?”

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.”

That my friend is inspiration!!

You inspire me, I inspire you.

That’s the beauty of letting our light shine from within.

And nothing can dim that light…If we don’t let it.

But we must share it!

Because if we don’t, our light will fade, just like mine.

No blogging, no light. At least not here.

So remember…

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

Keep shining your light my friends and I’ll shine mine!!
 

So what do you think? What are some things that keep you inspired and motivated? How do you keep your light shining from within? How have y’all been? And please share your latest endeavors!

21 thoughts on “Shine From Within

  1. Denise D. Young

    We’ve missed you, Karen. Your comments are always kind and encouraging, and your blog posts always thoughtful and inspiring. I usually say I’m most inspired by nature and mythology, but I think the truth is, whenever I read a book that touches my heart, that makes me feel happy, I know I want to provide that same feeling to other people. So I guess it’s readers, or potential readers, who inspire me the most. I want to give people hope and happiness through my work. If I’ve done that, I’ll consider it a job well done. 🙂
    Denise D. Young recently posted..Winter’s Last StandMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Denise! You are so kind. It’s nice to be missed. And thank you so much! I inspire you, you inspire me. It’s a beautiful circle and the way it should be. And yes, I like you want to give people hope and happiness. It’s something we all cannot get enough of. So keep it up! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jenny Hansen

    I was all set to comment on this when our power went out. Dang eucalyptus trees up the block…dang storms. It’s been wild weather here in SoCal, which in many ways is lots of fun. I mean, when do we get thunderstorms. I figure that lightning is YOU, shining your light from Arizona. 🙂

    I sure do miss you. And I sure do love the way you sparkle.

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Yes! You caught me. I thought I might shine a little light on y’all over there. Although I didn’t mean to knock down the eucalyptus, darn it. I promise I didn’t. That just shows you I don’t have enough control of the weather yet. But hey, if I can send a little sparkle in your direction, well, I just love to brighten your day! It just shows how much I miss you too! So let the light shine Jenny and share the sparkle!! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Alarna Rose Gray

    Hey there Karen,

    I saw something on Facebook recently about the dark times we are living in and how, more than ever, we need to be focused on the beautiful things. I see you doing that every day. Of course, the other thing is, sometimes it’s necessary to hide the light, to ensure it doesn’t get blown out altogether 😉 Be well, be strong and most of all, Karen…just Be. Your beautiful self. (Sorry I haven’t been around, but you are in my thoughts xo)

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Alarna! No apology necessary my friend. “…sometimes it’s necessary to hide the light, to ensure it doesn’t get blown out altogether.” I love that girl! Wow, that’s exactly how I feel. And yes, we are living in some stressful times. It most certainly does help to keep our focus on the “beautiful” positive things. That’s what helps us to shine at our best. So stay focused and keep shining!!!! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Thanks for noticing Jennette! I try my best to shine, but you know what they say about the quiet ones. So watch out! lol. And keep on shining my friend! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Yvette Carol

    Easy, time spent with family helps light me up. I find it slows me down and makes me ‘smell the roses’ every time! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      That is wonderful Yvette! It doesn’t get much better than that. Our family is just the spark that keeps us shining. So keep smelling those roses! You are positively glowing my friend! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      As you know Sheila, Marianne Williamson’s poem has gotten much notoriety. It is a beautiful poem. I can certainly see why it’s a favorite. 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Yes Patricia, my flame had dimmed to a flicker. So glad you came by for a refuel my friend. Let both keep shining from within and glow in the confidence! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Aww. That’s very nice to know. But it’s a two way street Kassandra, for it is you that inspires me! Keep on shining my friend. 🙂

      Reply

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