SubscribeOur Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson
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.
– from A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson.
When I first read the above passage from Marianne Williamson’s book, A Return to Love, a new perspective hit me right on the face. The deepest fear is found in each one of us. However, what struck me is, “Are we also responsible for whatever we are achieving and not achieving?” We certainly do. It brought me back to some thought which I have previously. I have always been thinking of the point about what wealth can do for one. I realize after reading the passage that subconsciously I have rejected wealth because of some of the things that I might do if I am wealthy. I was focusing too much on what I did not want to do with wealth than on what I can possibly do with wealth. Repainted the images!
How about you? Are there any areas in your life where you are under achieving because you have fear of who you will become or what you will do?
Love Quotation by Marianne Williamson
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by Jazz, on July 18 2008 @ 4:36 am
That is a real good question you are asking. The truth is that I never looked at it that way, but it certainly hits me right in the face like it did to you. I guess this fear blocks a lot of good things coming into our lives.
by Symphony of Love, on July 18 2008 @ 11:02 pm
@ Jazz, the concept is actually similar to something I had heard a few year ago. However, the one that I heard before states it as self sabotaging. This too can block a lot of good things coming into our lives. It is enlightening to me.
by Bradley, on July 19 2008 @ 11:57 pm
I know fear has held me back in my life. I read a book a long time ago called “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway”. It was a good book and I learned from it, but I wish I could say it completely eliminated me getting in my own way sometimes.
by Symphony of Love, on July 20 2008 @ 1:09 am
@ Bradley, that sounds like a good book, which I want to read too. I guess fear can never be eliminated completely in our lives but it offers an opportunity for us to grow.
by Kelley, on July 20 2008 @ 2:31 am
I subscribe to the ‘fake it till you make it’ camp. If you act like you can do something or be something sometimes you just surprise yourself.
Kelleys last blog post..Party, par-tay and my husband thinks I am awesome.
by Joy, on July 20 2008 @ 3:32 am
I must admit I’m under achieving because I have fear of who I become but the only thing that stop me is Love. Love for my family. Have a blessed Sunday.
Joys last blog post..My sister’s new baby girl
by Chelle, on July 20 2008 @ 5:27 am
I think fear plays a big part in why people do and don’t do things…but you can either control it or let it control you.
by Symphony of Love, on July 21 2008 @ 5:39 pm
@ Kelley, that is certainly one way – to be first. I use the same tactic especially when I am having challenge doing something. I just tell myself that I know how to do it and I go on to learning how to do it.
@ Joy, I am not sure what fear you have of what you will become, but would not your family be happy if you are achieving more in life? Of course achieving more in life does not equate to just financially, it is achieving more in all areas in your life as in career, health, relationship etc.
@ Chelle, I agree that fear plays a big part in why people do and don’t do things. It may not necessary be a bad things especially when we are talking about doing something bad – the fear of punishment would stop some from doing bad. However, if it is doing something good and beneficial to oneself and to other, then that fear is an opportunity to grow.
by Brandie, on July 22 2008 @ 12:09 pm
Wow, that IS a good question, and one that I’ve never thought about. I’d like to say I try my best at most things in life but that which is important. I excel in my career, yet feel like I could be a better mother. I have abundant faith, but a really hard time expressing it and sharing it with others.
So thank you grabbing my attention with this, it’s definitely something I need to examine!
Brandies last blog post..Trim Up Tuesday (Week 2)
by lala, on July 22 2008 @ 1:10 pm
“As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” so true.
If we could just eliminate the fear in our lives, our possibilities are endless.
lalas last blog post..Show Some Respect for Nature
by Symphony of Love, on July 23 2008 @ 2:37 am
@ Brandie, giving your best shot in everything you do – I think that is most important. Everyone should be doing just that. It is good that you are clear about what you did well and what you can improve on. I believe that you can surly work out a balance in your career, family, health and everything you want in your life. I am sure you can do it!
@ lala, the possibilities are indeed endless when we face our fear and work with them in our lives.
by Mozi Esme's Mommy, on July 27 2008 @ 12:14 pm
This is SO powerful! Hubby and I were having a little “midlife” talk the other week about where we expected we’d be at this point (turning 35 & 39 next month), and I think this captures so much of what we’re feeling.
Mozi Esme’s Mommys last blog post..Wylde Women Award
by Symphony of Love, on July 27 2008 @ 7:58 pm
@ Mozi, I find it a very empowering thought.
by Ivy, on August 5 2008 @ 11:43 am
Relevant question. I have a lot although I’d rather keep them to myself. Some I’ve managed to conquer although a lot I’m still struggling to fight. Maybe I fear fear if that makes sense……
Haven’t read that book yet although I’ll try to get my hands on it
Ivys last blog post..Buttered Up
by Symphony of Love, on August 6 2008 @ 6:47 am
@ Ivy, you fear fear … that is something to ponder on.
by Janet, on August 19 2008 @ 6:09 pm
Hi,
That is beautiful and so true. If you visit my blog you will see that I write about the same thing. I would like to post Marianne Williamson on my blog as well. I hope you do not mind. Let me know,
Thanks for sharing,
Take Care,
Janet:)
Janets last blog post..Briana the Monkey?
by kimmysharinglight, on August 21 2008 @ 7:53 am
I am a true person who fears rejection, and abandonment. I am utterly confident on the outside, but internal struggle has caused many issues. I also am going to post Marianne Williamson, not on a post, but to stay on my site. As a reminder. Thank you..blessings!
kimmysharinglights last blog post..Ding Dong, is the Witch really Dead?
by Symphony of Love, on August 21 2008 @ 5:29 pm
@ Janet, thank you. Marianne Williamson’s words are indeed empowering. I believe you can post it in your blog as long as you provide the credit to her.
@ Kimmy, you are most welcome! It is good that Marianne Williamson’s words could give you inspiration like it does for me.
by Marianne Williamson Love Quotes and Love Sayings | Love Quotes Compilation, on June 4 2009 @ 5:43 pm
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by Ben, on February 3 2010 @ 3:44 pm
I’ve always really loved this quote. It really puts things into perspective about the fundamental fears and needs of every human being. Thanks for the awesome reminder.
.-= Ben´s last blog ..Cambodia Motorcycle Diary #3 =-.
by Symphony of Love, on February 3 2010 @ 9:19 pm
@ Ben, glad that you like this. The deepest fear is within each of us. We have to overcome our own journey within.