Introduction:
There’s a quote by Marianne Williamson that has resonated with many people: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
As women, especially in midlife, we often find ourselves wrestling with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. We may shrink back, afraid to shine too brightly. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, confident, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?"
But the real question is - who are you not to be? We're all born with a power within us that is meant to be shared with the world. When we play small, we aren’t just limiting ourselves, we’re doing a disservice to those around us. It’s time to stop hiding and start embracing the full potential that lives inside us all.
The Fear of Our Own Power
The idea of stepping into our full power can feel scary. Why? Because it asks us to leave behind old patterns of self-doubt, fear, and insecurity. For years, many of us have learned to keep our voices down, to play it safe, and to put others first.
But now, in midlife, we’re being called to step up and show up as our true, unapologetic selves.
This fear of our own excellence isn’t just about personal anxiety, it’s societal conditioning. Women are often conditioned to be quiet, to avoid being "too much," or to live small lives. But there’s nothing enlightened about playing small. The world needs our inspiration - our ideas, our creativity, our energy and the world can’t receive it if we hide it away.
The Light Within Us All
You are not just a person trying to find her way in life. You are a powerful being, created with purpose, capable of achieving incredible things. It’s easy to forget this when we’re bogged down by life's challenges, societal expectations, or the comparison trap. But your light is within you, and it is waiting to be shared with the world.
As we age and move through different phases of life, we are meant to shine even brighter. It’s time to reconnect with the radiant energy that has always existed inside you, even if you’ve buried it for a while. The energy, creativity, wisdom, and love that you have to offer the world are limitless.
Your light isn’t just for you. It’s a gift meant to be shared, and it has the power to inspire and uplift those around you. When you shine brightly, you give others permission to do the same.
Liberating Ourselves from Fear
The only thing standing between you and your fullest expression of self is fear. Fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of success. These fears are all rooted in the same belief: that we are somehow unworthy, undeserving or unqualified to shine in the way we are meant to.
But what if we let go of these fears? What if we liberated ourselves from the fear of being too much or too little? Imagine what would happen if we stopped apologising for our existence and started embracing our full potential.
When we choose to rise above our fears, we not only liberate ourselves, but we also give others permission to do the same.
Playing Small Doesn’t Serve the World
As women, especially those in midlife, we often feel an inner pull toward purpose - toward making a difference. But so often, we hold ourselves back out of fear or the desire to fit in. We dim our light because we fear the consequences of standing out.
But here’s the truth: The world doesn’t need you to play small. The world needs you to stand in your full power, to embrace your brilliance, and to share it unapologetically.
By staying small, we don’t help others. It’s only by showing up as our most authentic selves that we can truly serve the world. It’s not about being better than anyone else - it’s about being the best version of you. When you give yourself permission to shine, you’ll notice that those around you start to do the same. You create a ripple effect, and in doing so, you inspire others to tap into their own inner power.
The Power of Permission
One of the most beautiful aspects of embracing your own light is that, in doing so, you give others permission to do the same. When you live authentically and without fear, you set an example for others to follow.
Think about the people you admire. More often than not, it’s not their accomplishments that stand out, but their ability to own who they are, to live boldly, and to unapologetically take up space. You can be that person for others - whether it’s your children, your friends, or even people you haven’t met yet. Your light is contagious, and by allowing it to shine, you encourage others to break free from their own fears and self-imposed limitations.
Conclusion
It’s time to stop apologising for taking up space. You are not here to play small or to hide your brilliance. You are here to shine, to share your unique gifts with the world, and to inspire others to do the same.
As you step into your power and embrace your light, remember that you are a reflection of something much greater than yourself. You are born with purpose and passion. There is nothing selfish or wrong about owning your excellence. In fact, it’s the most generous thing you can do - for yourself, for others, and for the world.
When you let go of fear and embrace the fullness of who you are, you create space for others to do the same. Together, we can create a world where every woman is free to step into her power and shine unapologetically.
So, ask yourself: “Who am I not to be brilliant, confident, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?”
The world is waiting for you - It’s time to let it shine.
Always uplifting and inspiring!