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

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 were all meant to shine as children do
it’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone

and as we let our own light shine, we subconsciously
give other people permission to do the same

and as we’re liberated from our own fears
our presence automatically liberates others

-Marianne Williamson