Darkness is often described by the absence of light. If we are the light, as we’ve discussed in my previous posts, then something must be in our lives blocking that light, or preventing you from revealing that light to others. So often, people feel emboldened to share their perspective as a way of keeping you down, making you feel small, so their tiny existence can be fortified in the bigoted castle in which they hide.
“As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Nelson Mandela
It is my belief that this means as we discover what makes us shine, what makes us stronger, we will inspire hope in others to rise up and live their authentic existence. Through a personal illustration we will see how people will actively try to stamp out your light, but through determination you can overcome any effort. Next we’ll examine positive energy values that will entrench the force behind your light so that no person or thing will ever be able to extinguish it. Lastly we’ll wrap it up with the wise words of Nelson Mandela.
Today, someone felt emboldened enough to comment on one of my social media posts, “Don’t ask, Don’t Tell.” For those of you that don’t know, I am Gay. I serve in the United States Air Force. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell made it illegal for me to serve my country, which I gladly do every single day. This specific individual liked and commented on all of my posts about serving, bragging on the greatness of our country, then came across a post with my significant other, and showed the ugly side of our nation. The side that is embattled with darkness. Old me would have deleted the comment, let it slide away into the dark shadows where it belongs. But, we are in the business of shining light, lightening our loads, and magnifying those in our circle. The more you let comments like that fall into the darkness, the more darkness accumulates. We must be brave, be empowered, and by proactive in shining light on the filthy dark places we’ve let fester for far too long. Be respectful, but be direct, there is no room, I’ll say it again, there is absolutely zero room for hate, for darkness, or for bigotry at all. Seeing you stand up to this type of speech can restore hope to people you might not even know are watching you. It can bring awareness to those who don’t see things like this happening. So, I encourage you please shine your brightest light on the darkest places.
Once you’ve shined light on the specific source of darkness, you’ve done what needed to be done. The positive energy associated with this, is a calm that will come knowing that darkness doesn’t have power over you, it won’t go on to hurt more people, and you’ve been diligent in equipping those around you with the tools they need to face the same thing. Others will notice, they’ll see you’re motivated to not just shut the darkness out, but you will inspire them because you are obliterating the darkness. We owe it to ourselves, to our wellbeing, and to those around us to to be forgiving, but to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and their words. In my last post we talked about venting and how it is similar to a storm drain, and how we need to celebrate the little wins like confronting something as small as a comment. All of my recent posts build upon each other, reference forwards and backwards, because we are stuck in a world that is hamstrung by darkness. The belief of, “I’m not facing that specifically, so it’s not my problem,” has become too commonplace. Let all of that fall off, let it go down the drain and focus on harnessing your positive energy and generating light.
Nelson Mandela said, “It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.” Be brave. Be bold. You have everything that it takes to harness the light in your life. You have the power to not just shut out darkness, but to obliterate it completely. Mandela goes on to say, “there is nothing enlightened about shrinking, so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.” Never shrink yourself. If it is them who has the problem with your existence, that is on them. Just as I faced with an Instagram Bully, an individual who thinks what I am doing for the country is great, but that I shouldn’t be allowed to do it, you can call speech like that out and let them know you’re not going anywhere. Reflect on those positive energy traits we’ve identified, and build that magnificent light! I choose to strengthen my light, with the hope that someone, somewhere feels emboldened to live their authentic life.
Are you shining your light to embolden others?
JetSetGOConnor 