Our Deepest Fear is...

Hello everyone!

Read the quote and my response and then respond. Please edit your work. (Don't type as if you're texting--remember this is being published.)

“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? 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. 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.”

This excerpt from Marianne Williamson is a powerful reminder to be who you wish without holding back. I want you to consider this quote and what it means when you attribute it to your life. I also want you to think about what we do to others when we shut down their lights, when we make people feel bad for being smart, when we laugh and ridicule others for raising their hands, doing their homework, caring about school/what they do, and so on.

When Captain Sully Sullenberger landed his plane in the Hudson River and everyone survived, we applauded him. When we go to the doctor we hope s/he knows his/her stuff so we or a loved one can be healed. When we go to the mechanic we hope he/she has done his job so our car will keep us safe, especially during a life/death situation.

In general we hope that people know their stuff. That they have studied and prepared hard for their career, for their life. So...why is it so easy for us to shut down classmates in school who might one day be the hope for research development for a cancer we could be diagnosed with? What if someone in high school is bullied and picked on so much so that they do not reach their potential and that potential could have changed/saved your life or a loved one's?

What is our responsibility towards ourselves and others for doing the best now and every day? Why do we expect it from others...but we let ourselves off the hook?

I'm really interested in your responses to this one.