When I ask workshop delegates to name a person who has inspired them many choose Nelson Mandela.

They say that the way that he fought for justice and freedom, overcame adversity and showed forgiveness taught them valuable lessons. He allowed many people to believe in the creation of a better world and his passing a year ago last Friday triggered a global sense of loss and led to many tributes being written.

When Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s president, he used the following passage from Marianne Williamson’s Return to Love in his inaugural speech:

“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. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, 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 enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around us.

We are meant to shine, as children do. We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It is not just in some of us – it is in everyone and as we let our light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

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

During this week ask yourself the question, “How can I shine my light more brightly in the world?”

I have always found this to be a great reminder of the opportunities and possibilities available in life. It has encouraged me to not be limited in my thinking and I hope you enjoyed reading it and that it helps to inspire you to shine your light brightly in the world.

This week’s quotation:

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk