a great fear

It always amazes me how the right quote shows up at just the right time.

Today, Anne Ortelee, who shares an insightful weekly Astrology Column, tweeted one of those quotes that hits you right between the eyes when it is a message you need to hear:

"High Noon Clarity: "Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." - Nelson Mandela"

I won't give you the dirty details. Let's just say I have been treading water. My days have been feeling like Ground Hog Day. Or, at the very least, I've been living my life in shades of gray. This might work for some folks. Heck, it might even be the life they aspire to. A life where there are few surprises and little risk. But, for me, someone who has mostly lived life by the motto 'experience all you can, every moment you can', living life in this holding pattern has felt like suffocation. Stifling and dull. And, my spirit yearns for more.

So, the quote comes to me today with a POW! and a not so gentle voice saying "What have you been thinking!?!?!?" Breathe girl! Yes, live your life full of breath! Stop standing still and get out of that holding pattern. Of course, that voice of fear starts to raise the volume. It too wants to be heard. But, I remember what it is like to live a life out loud. To live a life moving forward. Action creates more action. It all starts with one step, then two. Sometimes those steps turn out to be a whoops. Let's consider those opportunities to gain some wisdom. Learnings from which to make the next step.

As I wrap this up, I leave you with the full quote. Nelson Mandela was quoting Marianne Williamson from her book "A Return to Love". May the wisdom of Marrianne's words speak to that inside of you that is greater. And -- perhaps, just perhaps, it will encourage you to take a step towards that which is calling forward.

"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, 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 are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's 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 own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."