From Hiding to Shining: Embracing the Light Within
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“Less talk. Less mistake.”
Growing up, that was something my dad used to say to me; and as a kid, I understood it to mean that to be quiet is to be good and agreeable and accepted. It meant letting others speak while I observed. It meant keeping opinions to myself because expressing them could cause conflict—or worse, prove that I was wrong.
So, for most of my life, I stayed quiet. I shied away from attention. I followed along. I kept my light hidden and avoided the spotlight. Even in my career, I tended to work behind the scenes and preferred to stay in the background. Although I excelled at my job—which was to craft messages, shape narratives, and ensure that high-profile leaders were seen, heard, and elevated—I neglected myself the same opportunity and was convinced that my voice didn’t need to be heard and that my presence wasn’t necessary.
But recently something changed.
I realized that by hiding my light, I wasn’t just holding myself back—I was also missing the opportunity to be a beacon for others. Now, I’m on a journey to shine brightly and encourage others to do the same.
Why do we hide our light?
There are several reasons why we may be afraid to shine. For me, the biggest reason has been the fear of judgment. Not everyone feels this way, but I know a lot of us worry about what others will think or say about us, and this fear can be paralyzing. The possibility of criticism can lead us to play small, keeping our talents and ideas to ourselves rather than risking the potential for negative feedback.
Also, when we lack self confidence, we end up downplaying our abilities. We dismiss our achievements, and ultimately keep our light hidden. When we don’t believe in our own value, it’s easy to think that we have to offer isn’t good enough. This usually happens when we start to compare ourselves to others! We become convinced that we’re not worthy of attention or recognition, so we stay in the shadows.
And if you’ve ever experienced rejection, that can impact our willingness to step into the light again. If we’ve been turned down, criticized, or have failed in the past, we might avoid putting ourselves out there for fear of reliving those painful moments. Instead of shining, we retreat, telling ourselves it’s safer to remain unseen.
But here’s the thing… we need to shine brightly! If you’re looking for reasons why it’s important to express your authentic self, here are five good ones:
Inspiring Others
When you shine brightly, you become a source of inspiration for those around you. By embracing your true self and sharing your unique gifts, you give others permission to do the same. Your courage to be authentic can spark confidence and creativity in others, creating a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment.
Building Confidence
The more you allow yourself to be seen, the more confident you become. Each time you step into the light, you strengthen your belief in your own worth and abilities. This confidence not only benefits you but also influences how others perceive and interact with you, leading to deeper, more meaningful connections.
Fulfilling Your Potential
You have gifts, talents, and ideas that are uniquely yours, and the world needs them. By shining brightly, you step into your full potential and contribute to the world in a way that only you can. Hiding your light means depriving both yourself and others of the impact you’re meant to make.
Creating Opportunities
When you put yourself out there, new opportunities often follow. Whether it’s in your career, personal life, or creative endeavors, being visible can open doors you never knew existed. By shining your light, you attract opportunities that align with your authentic self and bring you closer to your goals and dreams.
Living with Purpose
There is something deeply fulfilling about living in alignment with who you truly are. When you shine brightly, you live with a sense of purpose and meaning. You’re no longer just going through the motions—you’re actively contributing to something greater than yourself, and that brings a profound sense of satisfaction.
Stepping out from the shadows and allowing yourself to be seen can be intimidating, but the rewards far outweigh the risks. By shining brightly, you not only enrich your own life but also become a guiding light for others. So, let go of the fears that hold you back, embrace your true self, and share your light with the world. The world needs what only you can offer. ✨