Let Your Light Shine

Did you know that on a dark night you can see a candle flickering up to 30 miles away? That is just how powerful a light can shine. That is how powerful YOU can shine, even in the darkness.

We all have a light inside us, but sometimes it can feel a little brighter and stronger than other times. Whether your light feels dim, is flickering in and out, or shining big and bold, here are 5 ways to keep your light glowing brighter than ever.

#1 Love Your Light

We have all been around people who are electrifying and full of light. Their radiance has nothing to do with what they have on the outside, but who they are on the inside. To develop your inner-glow you have to have a strong and vibrant sense of who you are and why you shine.

You need to acknowledge that your light has purpose. Your light defines who you are and there is so much power in using your own story and who you are to reach and inspire others. Don’t hide your light under a blanket of fear and insecurity! Embrace your uniqueness and put your special individual traits out there for others to see.

#2 Don’t Compare Lights

The fastest way to dim your own light is to start comparing it to others. When you compare, you end up feeling like your light isn’t good enough (and that is just a flat out lie). Comparison always makes you feel unworthy, alone, and inadequate. Accepting your personal and unique qualities, however, will bring about confidence and a healthy dose of self-esteem!

If you use other people’s successes and accomplishments as your benchmark to evaluate yourself, you will always be dimming your own light. We live in a world where we are constantly trying to be “the best” at something. Instead of trying to be “the” best, try being YOUR best. YOUR best will always be THE best.

#3 Look for the Light at theEnd of the Tunnel

We gotta keep it real. We all know that sometimes our light struggles to stay on. Going through tough times doesn’t mean we don’t have a bright light, it just means we need some extra patience, care, and intentional time to tend to our light. We just need a little reset.

Bumps in the road are a normal part of life, but you have to be careful not to let them extinguish your light. Instead of a difficult road being an obstacle in your life that

you can’t overcome, use it as an opportunity to grow, learn, and travel new routes.

Hurdles in life are always hard to navigate because they are never what you expect. Stumbling blocks don’t always have to lead to a hard fall, though. Turn those stumbling blocks into building blocks. Use those bumps in the road to find a new path that you never would have thought to explore and see where it takes you.

If you let it, challenges will build resilience, and resilience will bring about a glow that no one can ignore. Always look for the light at the end of your tunnel. It may not be what you expected, but happiness can be found in the darkest of times if you remember to turn on the light.

#4 Surround Yourself with Others Who Shine Bright

We need other people, especially people who build us up. At times when your own light becomes dim, surrounding yourself with people who shine bright can help reignite that spark within you.

It is important to realize who is a flame booster and who is a flame dimmer. Be aware of people who dim your light just because it’s shining too bright in their eyes. It can be easy to be brought down by others who are intimidated by the way you shine. Even if you find yourself in a situation where you're surrounded by dimmers, continue to be the example, and find ways to encourage others in the gifts they possess. Empower the people around you to shine in ways that are specific to them, and never ever let anyone have enough power over you to dim your light.

#5 Use Your Light for Good

We all have the power to use our light for good. The true success of having a bright light is when you use it to help light the path for others, and not just for yourself. Be the light that helps others see. There are so many ways to use your light for others, but one of the surest ways to help others have that inner-glow is to simply be kind. Showing kindness to yourself and others is never dull and will always draw people to you. Send a bright ray of light to those around you today by beaming with kindness. A simple compliment or selfless act is the easiest way to brighten up someone's day.

The next time you fix youreyes on a light, notice how uniqueand special it is. Notice thatwhether that light is big or small,its purpose is perfect in its ownway, and yes, this light is YOUI’m talking about. Now go on andshine bright. Remember, thereare never too many stars in thenight sky!