Lighten Up & Shine On

“Traveling lighter helps me shine brighter.”  – Danielle LaPorte

This sentence came through my inbox and when I read it I could feel it’s truth.  I wanted to say “AMEN, sister.”  But, right after that Amen came the twinge of fear.

Because in that truth, in that clean, simple phrase, I could feel a call.  And the words “shine brighter” stir up all sorts of programed sh.. in me.

Warning bells sound to rally the unconscious voices, who start to sputter –

“Whoa, hang on now!”

“Wait a minute, let’s think this through.”

Aren’t things just fine the way they are?”

“Sounds great… but not too bright”

I know this “safety” protocol started forming early in me as I learned how to best navigate my small town.  I felt a real need to fit in.  Even though I could sense I saw things in a different light and got stirred up by things that didn’t seem to stir other people up, I did everything I could to downplay those differences and go with the flow.

I learned that shining, standing out, or being called out, would send a direct invitation to ask judgment to join the party.  And I decided that I’d avoid judgment at all cost.

But I am slowly unpacking all of this baggage.  And after 40 some years of hiding the light and truth of my strengths and my differences, I am setting a few things down and trusting that there is a place for me.

I don’t want to see things like everyone else and this truth feels exciting. 

I don’t plan to be showy or flaunty or “better than” about this truth.  I just want to acknowledge that we are all unique and that’s the way it was meant to be.

I am unique.  And that’s the way it should be.

When I set down some of this old baggage, then I do travel lighter and I know it shows.  I shine brighter, whether it was my intention or not.  And the best parts of me are brought out into the light to attract things that bring more joy into my life.

So, thank you Danielle LaPorte, for the reminder to travel lighter & shine on.