Shine On

I love this quote.  I always like to follow it up with "Just hand them some shades".  

Shine on.

How many times do we think about censoring what we tell those around us because we don't know how they will react?  Happy news should receive an equally happy reaction from our family & friends, right?  More often than not, we are concerned that someone will respond negatively or just not have the same reaction we are hoping for.  I'm not quite sure why our thoughts always go to negative reactions first. Getting a new job, starting new relationship, starting a family, or pursuing a long time passion with extra gusto are all great things right?  Maybe it's the fear that can come with embarking on these new endeavors.  We could be transferring our fears onto the people around us.  I've spoken about the power that fear can have over how we view things (Turning Fear into Fire).  Keep reading for another fire reference.

Does someone's reaction change the event?  Are we suddenly not going to be as excited about our news?  Unfortunately, sometimes that is exactly what happens.  We start to feel defeated or try to play down the importance of this great news.  That's not to say that every special moment in our lives requires a ticker tape parade.  It's nice to get support from those around us.  Positivity simply makes everyone's light shine brighter.

Have you ever walked in a room filled with happy people and just felt more upbeat and lighter because of the energy around you?  Conversely, have you ever walked in a room filled with people where the energy just feels off?  It could stem from one person or the whole room.  What do you do when that happens?  I know it can feel like it's hard to shine bright but in life you can choose to be the spark or the flame.

A spark ignites to make a flame.  A flame burns until it eventually burns out.  So you can use your "bright light" to bring others into the light or you can be a flame that burns because of others until it eventually grows dim and burns out.  I find it is more fun to bring people into the light.

When people are experiencing their own challenges, sometimes they are not able to be as supportive as we need them to be.  That doesn't mean they aren't happy for us.  It's just all that they can give at that time.  When the darkness fades, all will be back to normal.  So maybe you can be more delicate in the way you share the news but don't let their reaction dictate how you view it.  It's important to be sensitive to those around us but don't let their circumstances dictate your happiness.

Be excited about life's blessings.  Share your light and don't let other people determine how bright you shine!  Those who love you want you to succeed and thrive in everything you do.  Everyone just has a different way of showing support & love.  For those who can't handle your light...just smile and hand them some shades.