Stop Shrinking – The World Needs Your Light
There’s a quote I come back to over and over again by Marianne Williamson. It’s a reminder, a challenge, a permission slip to stop playing small. You’ve probably heard it before, but today—read it like it’s being whispered straight into your soul:
“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.”
Let that land. Let it soak in. Because this isn’t just poetic—it’s a deep truth. And if you’ve been dimming your light just to make others feel comfortable, it’s time to stop.
Stop Apologizing for Who You Are
Too many of us walk around with our brilliance on mute.
We make ourselves smaller. Quieter. More palatable.
We hide our truth. Tame our power. Downplay our gifts.
Why? So other people won't feel uncomfortable. So they won’t think we’re “too much.” So we won’t outshine.
But your light? It’s not a threat.
It’s a mirror—showing others what’s possible.
The truth is, some people will be uncomfortable when you rise.
Some people will fall away when you stop shrinking.
But you weren’t put here to babysit someone else’s insecurity.
You were put here to wake people up.
Your Light Is Divine
You are not “just” anything.
You are not here to blend in.
You are not here to tiptoe around your power.
You are here to shine. Boldly. Unapologetically. Radically.
And your light? It’s not arrogant. It’s not too much. It’s not selfish.
It’s God-given. It’s sacred. And it’s meant to be seen.
When you shine from a place of truth, love, and service—you become a living permission slip for others to do the same. You lead by example. You liberate by existing.
Playing Small Doesn’t Make You Noble
Let’s be honest—many of us were taught that humility means hiding. That confidence is arrogance. That power is something dangerous.
But shrinking does not serve the world.
Your healing, your wisdom, your story, your creativity—that’s what the world needs.
Not the watered-down version of you. Not the you that fits in.
The real you.
Playing small doesn’t make you humble.
It makes you invisible.
Shine Anyway
People might not understand your glow at first. Shine anyway.
People might call you “too much.” Shine anyway.
People might project their fears onto your expansion.
Shine anyway.
Because your light isn’t just for you.
It’s for the ones watching, wondering if they’re allowed to rise too.
As you become more you, you make space for others to become more them.
You Were Born For This
You were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within you.
Not someday.
Not when you feel more “ready.”
Not after you’ve toned it down to be digestible.
Now.
You already have permission. You always did.
So take up space. Speak the truth. Stand in your worth. Live your calling.
And watch how your light becomes a lighthouse—for everyone still trying to find their way.
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