Day 31 of 90 day challenge
Source: Brian Johnson’s Philosophers Note on The Other 90% ~ Robert K Cooper
“It’s easy to act as if you are a weathervane, always changing your beliefs and words, trying to please everyone around you. But we were born to be lighthouses, not weathervanes. Imagine a vertical axis running through the center of your heart, from your deepest roots to your highest aspirations. That’s your lighthouse. It anchors you in the world and frees you from having to change directions every time the weather shifts. Inside this lighthouse there is a lens and a light. The light represents who you are when nobody else is looking. That light was meant to keep shining, no matter how dark or stormy it gets outside… when you find that light inside you, you will know it. Don’t let anyone else dim it… and one more thing: remember to look for the light inside others. If at first you can’t see it, look deeper. It’s there.”
Do you find that you change your behaviour, your words or opinions depending on who you’re spending time with? Is there some part of you that feels you’re not quite being true to who you are?
We are all unique people, and each one of has different values that define who we are. Discovering what these are is an adventure in itself. When we do know what we stand for, we must let that light shine. Standing our ground could lose us some friends, some relationships, maybe a job. But if we allow others opinions of us to dim our light then we are not in alignment with our true self, and the consequence of this will be negative feelings of frustration, irritation, maybe guilt or despair.
So what five values describe or define who you are and what you stand for? What can you do today to let your light shine more?
(Mine are: Gratitude; Hope, optimism and future mindedness; Love of learning; Forgiveness and mercy; Kindness and generosity; and capacity to love and be loved. )
Get your free “Escape Guide”, news and updates
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
A very wise and compelling message–indeed we need to be that Light, as well as to see the Light in others–perhaps even spark what may only be a glimmer in some. The values that I humbly reach towards are that of Gratitude & Love, Grace & Strength, Compassion, and Forgiveness.
It is always a work in progress!
Light & Love,
Mena*~*
Thanks for your comments Mena. Keep reaching towards your values and shining your light for all to see.
Lovely Article Maxine and yes you do run the risk of losing friendships and relationships when you become true to yourself and this is what has been happening for me this year. But those friendships were not for my highest good and not aligned with my values. Although it was difficult it was liberating in the end because I was stuffing my own values down and trying to please others by continuing these connections. I felt stronger for letting them go. Good luck with the blogging you are doing great. My 5 values are honesty and integrity, freedom and creativity, love and compassion, service, and gratitude.
Hi Iris, well done for standing in your own power and realising that some of your friendships weren’t serving you.
So how do you use your 5 values every day to ensure that you live a truly happy life?
I’ve always been somewhat of a “chameleon”, especially growing up. I would find myself naturally adapting to the other person’s demeanor, style, etc. without even thinking about it. I always felt a strong disconnect or friction when I did so, too…what a relief to change that tendency and start living in alignment with who I really am, no matter the consequence! Thanks for the great reminder and wonderful article, Maxine!
Thanks Nova. Great to get your feedback on this topic, and well done for having the courage to live in alignment with who you truly are!!
Thanks Maxine for this beautiful and inspiring message! Like Nova, I have spent some of my past running up and down the beach trying to please everyone and fit in every where. It was exhausting and less than satisfying. Now that I am in the process of being who I really am, no matter what, I feel strong and free, more centered and peaceful, and I am just having more fun!
Hi Nada, all those wonderful feelings are confirmation that you are indeed on the right track, well done!