It’s A Great Big World
It all began with a field of flowers.
I was hiking at our cabin recently, and I passed a field full of Queen Anne’s Lace, or Widows Lace, as my Mom called them. They grow wild at our cabin and flourish in the summer.
I’ve always been a “visual” person and seem to hear stories and get anecdotes from things going on around me. The world truly is one big storybook to me!
As I was walking by the field, I noticed that some stalks of these beautiful white flower clusters had grown taller than the rest. See the photo below…aren’t they beautiful?
Stand Up Tall!
These flowers stood out and appeared to be beckoning to the others: “It’s a great big world out here; stand up tall and look for yourself!”
Every once in a while, you and I are like the shorter “junior version” of those flowers I saw.
When we hold ourselves back. When we operate out of fear. When we suffer from “comparison-itis.” When we have a lack of confidence. When we feel unworthy. When we act as if we are an afterthought and less-than.
Then you and I let the world down.
When we don’t believe that we were made with and for a purpose. When we don’t believe that we are significant. When we don’t believe that we were created for more. When we don’t believe that we are 100 % unique. When we don’t believe that it is perfectly alright to be perfectly imperfect.
Then you and I let the world down.
When we believe lies that keep us from making a difference.
Lies like:
• I’m too old
• I’m too young
• I’m too ugly
• I’m too fat
• I’m a has-been
• I’ve made an unforgivable mistake
• I’m too dumb
• I’m unworthy
• I’m insignificant
• I’m a liar…
Then you and I let the world down.
When we settle for crumbs. When we adopt the mindset of, “this is as good as it gets.” When we have a “que sera sera” (whatever will be will be) attitude about everything.
Then you and I let the world down.
When we are so afraid to say anything that we say nothing at all! When we don’t voice our opinions about what we want or about the injustices around us. When we compare our “bloopers” to someone’s “highlight reel.”
Then you and I let the world down.
When we are too afraid to let go of the toxic people in our life. When we do things because that’s always the way they’ve been done. When we revert back to our “old ways” simply because we’ve put ourselves back in old situations and environments.
Then you and I let the world down.
When the word “just” becomes demeaning and is a staple in our vocabulary…
• I’m just a mom
• I’m just a secretary
• I’m just a kid
• I’m just a server
• I’m just a babysitter
• I’m just a bank teller
• I’m just a factory worker
• I’m just in sales…
Then you and I let the world down.
Where Is It Written?
Hey, Friend, where is it written that we are supposed to be perfect? Where is it written that we’re supposed to fit into a mold? Why do we continue to apologize for being who we are?
Let’s draw a line in the sand and say “no more!” Move over “small playing,” because “big playing” is moving in! You and I are ninjas with awesome, unique super powers! Let’s refuse to wade in the kiddie pool of life anymore.
Let’s stand tall and dive into the deep end and play big!
Play Big!
You and I can expect great things when we play big. By the way, “great things” aren’t always associated with fame or fortune. “Great things” are often: words of wisdom, acts of kindness, spoken affirmations, and a whole lot of things that don’t come with a price tag!
Playing big can go viral, you know. We can expect a domino effect to take place. People will watch us and want what we’ve got. Do you know what happens then? You and I, along with many others, become an army of people who play big and change our world one person at a time!
Final Thoughts…
Let me leave you with one of my favorite poems by Marianne Williamson and a homework assignment.
First, let’s start with the homework:
I want you to collect an evidence file of 3 amazing things…aka “ninja” moves…that you’ve done in the past that are pretty darn noteworthy! Things like:
• Gave a speech to 30 people
• Gave a speech to 3 people
• Spoke your mind
• Invited someone to meet you for coffee
• Asked for a raise
• Admitted you needed help and saw the counselor
• Changed jobs to follow your passion.
Marianna Williamson’s Poem
And now for the poem:
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’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 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’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
Confidence Resources
Are you trying to balance it all, but feel like you’re failing and are ridden with “mom guilt?” Have you lost confidence in the woman you were made to be? Are you stuck in the “comparison trap” and think you never measure up?
If any of this describes you, I have some amazing resources at your disposable…
The Confident Woman Club
I created an online community all about empowering women to be ALL they can be! To challenge women to break out of the self-imposed comfort zone they may have placed themselves in.
I want to invite you to join my tribe! Check it out!
7 Days of Affirmations
I see the GOOD in YOU, even though YOU may not!
This FREE 7-day audio collection will help you to be awakened to who you ARE, not who you are NOT!
I believe that we were ALL created for more. Much more than we can ever imagine. It is imperative that we know this. Our purpose is to be authentically us, to applaud our uniqueness, and to be confident.
Do you believe in you?
