Day/Card 10 of 39 … Take Up Space …
Author Marianne Williamson said it best when she wrote: “Our deepest fear is not that we’re inadequate, Our deepest fear is that we’re powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. But our playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”
What good does it do us to play small? We fear our own power because we don’t want to make others feel uncomfortable. Growing up, I was always told that I was “too much.” And my husband once told me that I gave off an aura of being intimidating. I’ve also had people tell me that although I’m small, my presence is huge. Truth is, I know who I am and what I like, but in an effort to not rock the boat, and as an introvert by nature, it was easier and safer for me to fade into the background and not call any attention to myself. What I’ve come to learn is that shrinking, fading into the background, playing small when you’re meant to do great things is painful to your soul. It’s painful to stay hidden when you feel it deep within you to speak your truth, your opinions, and shining your light for all to see. The pain of constriction and holding back by playing small comes with a huge price. Playing small is motivated by our fears and insecurities. Our fear that we don’t really know what we are doing, and who do we think we are. The real question we should be asking ourselves is, “Who are you not to be great?!”
The “Take Up Space” card reminds you to show up for yourself and take up space and make an impact! The world is a big place, there is room enough for everyone to leave their mark. Shine your light, say your peace, do what your were meant to do! Never apologize for being you! And if people think you’re too much, well, that’s their issue to deal with!
The Soulful Artist 