There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

My sister used this famous quote in a speech recently. I found it so inspiring, I thought I must post it up on my blog to encourage those out there (if there is anyone who still reads this blog) to keep standing out from the crowd:

"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. 

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. 

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented, and fabulous? 

Actually, who are you not to be? 

You are a child of God. 

Your playing small does not serve the world. 

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. 

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. 

It is not just in some; it is in everyone. 

And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 

As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

It's often said to have been quoted in a speech by Nelson Mandela but this is not the case. Rather, it originated with author Marianne Williamson.