Let Your Light Out!

Here in the northern hemisphere, we've passed the autumnal equinox; the days are shorter than the nights, and getting ever more so, till the solstice in December. Although I enjoy this time of year – I like the cooler weather, the changes in my garden, and anticipating the holidays – I still miss the long days of spring and summer. And as the light dwindles, I seem to be getting increasingly phototropic: like a plant, I find myself turning towards the light.

There are many forms of light in our lives: the ebb and flow of natural daylight versus the on-demand brilliance of artificial light; the dapple of sunlight through foliage versus the stark daytime heat and glare of the desert; the crisp clarity of dry, cool autumn light versus the soft, moisture-laden light of a rainy spring; the warm flicker of candlelight versus the cold blue flicker of television... Obviously, I could go on for quite a while!

There are other ways to bring light or darkness into the world than by changing the light we see with our eyes. Light-related cliches and sayings abound: she lights up the party with her smile; his eyes lit up with excitement; her anger darkened the room. These phrases are reflections of how we all have our own light inside of us, the light of our personality, our talents and skills and passions – the light of who we are.

Most people don't let that light out, or only let out little bits of it, like enclosed lanterns that cast light snippets through the pattern of holes in their sides. That's pretty and entrancing for candlelight, but not so attractive when we're talking about people! In fact, when you don't share all of who you are, people sense that something's missing, and they may have a hard time trusting you.

Now, I'm not suggesting that you tell everyone all your personal history, let your emotions run rampant, or wear shorts and a t-shirt to formal events! Aggressive individualism may (or may not) have a place in your life, but it's certainly not the same as your inner light.

Letting people see your light – letting your light out of hiding – means participating in all aspects of your life with all of your abilities, attributes, and enthusiasm, instead of being self-deprecating and self-effacing. It means setting your own expectations for what you want from life and being clear about them, rather than accepting someone else's "shoulds," abdicating your needs, or making others play guessing games. It means being honest not only about your losses, but also about your wins; for some reason, many of us are unwilling to share our great successes even to those who helped us along the way. And – interestingly enough – it also means accepting the light of others, even when you may not agree with them or even like them.

More than anything, letting your light out means having the strength and courage to be vulnerable. First, you have to be vulnerable to yourself: you have to learn – and it is a learning process, sometimes painfully so – who you really are and what you really want. Then, you have to be vulnerable to the rest of the world, exposing that reality to everyone you meet.

Being vulnerable, being honestly who you are, letting your light out – however you describe it, it's the greatest strength there is. It's also the greatest risk. And it will bring you some of the greatest rewards you'll ever experience.

Do you know who you really are? Try bringing all of yourself to everything you do this week, and see what a difference it makes in how others respond! (And drop me an email to share your experience!)

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works." The Holy Bible, Matthew, 5:14-16.