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.”

-Nelson Mandela

This quote by Nelson Mandela has been resonating with me lately. It keeps coming up as I go about my day.

After reading this quote, again and again, it’s teaching me more and more about how our actions affect the people around us; this quote is helping me understand that whenever I push myself outside of my comfort zone,--whether that is professionally or personally--I am unconsciously giving others the permission to do the same. It’s as if I’m saying, “Here! Watch this! This is something new and difficult for me, but I’m doing it anyway. Even if I fail, I’m failing while putting myself out there and pushing myself to be better. And I think you should do that same.” 

I am learning to go for those new opportunities, regardless of the looming potential to fail, because of how loudly it speaks into the lives of the people around me when I do. I’m discovering the more I share with others, the more encouraged they become to return that back into the world. It truly is a beautiful thing.

One example of this is my role as a realtor. Whether in person or online, it is no secret that I wear the title of Realtor with great pride. I enjoy sharing about the clients I have helped or the success stories I have experienced. I share these frequently on social media and here on my blog. It is evident that I enjoy what I do. 

Because of my clear passion for clients and love for this role, I often receive calls from others who feel inspired to pursue a career in real estate. Naturally, I encourage these individuals to check their fears at the door and sign up for real estate class. That's the first step! After that, they need to pass that state exam, affiliate themselves with a local brokerage, and jump in with two feet! 

“Your playing small does not serve the world” hums in the back of my mind daily. And in those moments as I take those phone calls, I am reminded that I cannot play small. The world needs more from me.

Sharing our stories --whether they’re high or low, big or small--can quickly become stories that others look to for reassurance. That is why I’ve decided to open myself up on this blog. This is not necessarily something I am totally comfortable with. But, I’ve been told time and time again, you don’t grow if you don’t step outside of your comfort zone. If I had waited until I felt 100% comfortable to start this blog, it would have never started. 

This is something new and difficult for me, but I am writing it anyway. 

Who am I not to write this blog? Who am I not to share my story? Who am I not to strive to help and inspire others from this platform?  

And the same for you!

Right now, who are you not to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, or fabulous? Who are you not to take that big chance or that leap of faith or do something that makes you so afraid you feel like you need to sleep with a nightlight again? 

Let your light shine today because someone might just need yours to encourage them to do the same.