#WCW=We CAN Wednesday: Step Out of the Shadows
/Playing small and choosing to be comfortable in life may seem easy and safe. It is when we make the decision to step out of the shadows that we can truly thrive in the light that we deserve.
Coming from a place of self-doubt and self deprecation, it becomes easy to discount your importance and relevance in the world. But playing small helps no-one, hiding in the corners of life only hurts you... You are literally God's gift to the world; His light shines on you. It's time to step out of the shadows.
I have been guilty of it. Thinking that I'm not worthy of good things, or that opportunities that are given to others were out of my reach. Though I was generally pretty confident, years of negative experiences, failures, and life's ups and downs slowly caused me to retreat into a shell.
What I had to realize is that by shrinking away from life, I was doing myself a huge disservice. Though I functioned normally from the outside, like many of us, I shied away from situations that would force me to face my fears and step out of my comfort zone. We do it all the time; decline leadership positions because of a fear of failure, turn down potential suitors to avoid heartbreak that hasn't even happened yet, we even forego taking care of our bodies because of the effort that is required. And for what?! We miss out on advancement. We miss out on companionship. We miss out on better health. Why? Because it's easier to retreat into the shadows instead of stepping out into the light.
This ends today.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. ”
What I have learned over my 36 years, is that what is easier is not always better. What we may think is comfortable may also be working to our detriment. Opting out of life's experiences and choosing to be comfortable is hurting us... and in some cases it is killing us. It's not easy to admit that you need help, but a counselor can help you work through your issues with a better understanding of who you are. It's not easy to go back to school, but you will love the advantages that education can attract. It's easy to shy away from relationships, but it wasn't until I pushed myself away from fear that I found my soulmate. My journey is far from complete, but so far, I love living in the light.
Life changes once we step out of the shadows. The world is a brighter, more interesting place. Step out and be the person you always thought you could be. You can do it!