Shine: Part 2

My role model when it comes to shining!

I'm committing the last six Mondays of 2012 to the little word shine.  I've been learning so much about what it means for me to shine and not shine.  If you want to read the first part, go here.  Here are some more of my thoughts on this little topic:

Here is a true confession:

I've spent many years of my life hiding and dimming my sparkle and shine so that other people wouldn't feel bad or be offended.

{I hate admitting this, but I also know it's the only way to change it--get it out in the open and move on!  I actually think I'm grieving this right now.}

I used to think it was ok.  Sure it might be motivated by fear or insecurity or wanting to protect other people or control their view of me, but so what?

I thought that when I was ready to shine, I could just do it.  I had no idea that I was not just hiding my light from others, but I was also dimming my light for myself.  Crazy, huh?!  Radiating ones beautiful self and gifts into the world cannot be just turned off and on.  Radiating ones light and love and gifts and truth into the world is not controlled by a switch.  Shining is a muscle that must be exercised and nourished and strengthened consistently--otherwise it weakens and becomes almost useless.

Since I've been hiding that bright glow that is me, it is such a painful process to just get it moving again.

Can you relate to any of this?

I'm embarking on a fitness program for my personal glow.  Do you want to join me?  This is not going to be fancy or formal.  It's going to be trial and error.  More details will follow soon!

How are you shining and glowing today?