Our Deepest Fear by Nelson Mandela

"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, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We are 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."

This speech by Nelson Mandela was brought up in one of our leadership meetings. My initial thoughts were, "Wow, that man can write a good speech. Really profound."
This weekend his words resonated in my head as I made decisions on how to act. I realized how I often miss the mark when it comes to being myself and instead present the person that people will like.

But, I am meant to manifest glory. Wow. What a gift.

- Anna