"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." [Marianne Williamson]
In her well-known quote, Marianne Williamson provides the substance for one of the most pressing questions we must ask ourselves, a question that provides an unparalleled opportunity for self-evaluation and self-realization. Why do we ALL, to an extent, fear success so fervently? Why do we fear worthy and righteous power? Why do we fear HAPPINESS?! I know even the thought of such habits sounds enormously ridiculous, but is it? Unfortunately I think those questions hit the nail on the head, so to speak. Take a moment to reflect and realize how often we plague ourselves with it. When have you limited yourself because of the uncertainty that success or happiness brings? When have you inhibited your happiness because of assumptions you have made.
In her well-known quote, Marianne Williamson provides the substance for one of the most pressing questions we must ask ourselves, a question that provides an unparalleled opportunity for self-evaluation and self-realization. Why do we ALL, to an extent, fear success so fervently? Why do we fear worthy and righteous power? Why do we fear HAPPINESS?! I know even the thought of such habits sounds enormously ridiculous, but is it? Unfortunately I think those questions hit the nail on the head, so to speak. Take a moment to reflect and realize how often we plague ourselves with it. When have you limited yourself because of the uncertainty that success or happiness brings? When have you inhibited your happiness because of assumptions you have made.
We are SO richly blessed with everything we need to be happy. Ideally speaking, everyone should enjoy a state of happiness at all times. However, we make unfounded assumptions, we over analyze, we refuse those blessings of happiness, and we convince ourselves that we are undeserving of such happiness or that it is "not right". We couldn't be further from the truth.
Upon real reflection, our habitual inhibition severely lacks reason and foundation. I will never understand how we can limit our progression and happiness based upon what we convince ourselves as "reason to reject it" as opposed to embracing the natural truth of it's power. Or why we do it, for that matter. It is a direct contradiction to its purpose. That is to say, we are blessed with people, opportunities, and experiences that are tailored to facilitating our complete happiness. Our Father in Heaven knows us, knows what we need, knows where we are going, and consequently blesses us with what we need, ultimately providing us with that fundamental and everlasting happiness. To push away or not fully realize the power of those relationships and opportunities does not only constrict our happiness but also inhibits the power our Heavenly Father so readily blesses us with, does it not? The future is in best when in his hands.
"To fear the future and, consequently, inhibit our progression is not to condemn the future but instead to condemn ourselves". (Victor Hugo, “Les Mis”)
Instead, we can resolve to maximize our happiness by enjoying what Heavenly Father blesses us with. To develop the relationships he gives us opportunity to establish, to achieve all we are capable (a realization of our truly endless capabilities), to do everything to the best of our abilities, not leaving any heaven-sent opportunity unfulfilled, and to accept the happiness that is possible. It is not only a blessing, but a responsibility.
We are provided with what brings us ultimate happiness. Do NOT fear that! Do NOT inhibit it's ability because of the fear of what it means or entails. Heavenly Father’s infinite wisdom knows the impact far better then we do. It is why he has blessed us with what he has. "We are all meant to shine as children do . . . It's in everyone". Shine! Don't fear your own happiness . . . embrace it! Our potential for happiness and possibilities are as endless as the stars. Be happy! :)
