Our Deepest Fear

This past week New York City experienced Spring like weather.  We even had one day where it almost reached 80 degrees.  Off went the coats.  And the age old pass time began... People Watching.  In my area of the city the men seemed to be happier then I've seen them in awhile.

Now, here I  am, 32 pounds lighter.  Feeling proud of my efforts.  Yet, I walked with my head down.  As if embarrassed.  Heavier I pranced about, safe knowing that to many, I was invisible.  Now, healthier I felt ashamed.  ???

I've said it often throughout this blog, this is so much more then a 'weight loss journey'.  Along the way I have been confronted with issues and habits that no longer serve me.  A great opportunity to observe my own responses.  To complete.  To create new possibilities for myself and for my life.

Today is the 1st official full day of Spring.  But Mother Nature has chosen to remind us 'Who is in charge' and sent us 'snow'.    An opportunity to hide. Should have made me happy.  Instead, the following came to mind.

Our Deepest Fear

by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles (See note below about Nelson Mandela)

"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.”

Note About Nelson Mandela

This quote is often incorrectly credited to Nelson Mandela from his Inauguration Speech, 1994, especially the last sentence of that quote, “As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

For reference, here are links to two official African government sites with Nelson Mandela's 1994 Inauguration Speech:

• Mandela: Inauguration Address - Cape Town, 09 May 1994, via South Africa Government Online Official Web site.
• Statement Of The President Of The African National Congress Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela At His Inauguration As President Of The Democratic Republic Of South Africa Union Buildings - Pretoria, 10 May 1994, via ANC's (African National Congress) Official Web site.