Many of us have at times have felt the calling to focus on becoming the best very version of ourselves, to let our lights shine brightly!
To let your light shine brightly may mean sorting out old patterns of thinking or behaviors, undertaking personal development, or in the words of Dagmar Munn, utilizing “strategies that help me turn my inner critic into an inner coach”.
In her June 2023 ALS News Today column, Dagmar shared-
The other day, right in the middle of doing my daily chair exercises, I had to stop and turn down the volume of my mind’s inner critic. Because I was feeling a little sluggish and off balance, the voice in my head was absolutely convinced that my ALS symptoms were getting worse. Being aware of the signs that my inner critic is taking over, I stop what I’m doing and think about the “why.”
We must start by being clear as to what we really want. What does shining version of you look and feel like? Take a few minutes and mediate on that-it’s the foundation for all the steps that follow.
As with many things in life, accountability makes the difference, and having great accountability partners is no different in this situation. We need people in our lives to help hold us accountable for our actions and words.
We must also learn to respond rather than react when situations don’t go to plan. This provides more control and enables you to stay calm, think clearly and recover in a constructive way.
Appreciate that some or maybe even many, sacrifices may be made along the way. You may have less disposable income, less time to spend with family or friends who do not bring out the brightest version of you. Accept this as a price you’re prepared to pay to move from where you were to where you want to be.
In her column, Dagmar also shared these strategies for quieting your inner critic:
- Seize the day, focus your mind on interesting projects, and connect with others.
- Stop comparing yourself with how you were in the past. Instead, focus on living each day by being the best self you can be on that particular day.
- Learn how to give yourself constructive, gentle self-criticism that follows the formula compliment-correction-compliment.
- End each day by creating a gratitude list focused on the people, places, and things you’re thankful for.
Your newly discovered radiance and enthusiasm may be surprise people around you, and if it does, I’d like to share this closing thought, and quote from Marianne Williamson.
“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? You are a child of God. 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. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. 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.”
