Let’s Shine Our Light

I believe at the core of my being that everything that is happening is happening for my benefit – for me, not to me. And I know it is time to shine our light

“….And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” – Marianne Williamson, Author

I wish I could say I was born with this magical understanding of the value of connecting.

In truth, I was not always a sharer of knowledge or a connector.

My life experiences taught me that there was a benefit to hoarding information.

This belief that “knowledge is power” led me to becoming fixated on winning.

In my younger years, I viewed life as a competition where there could only be one winner and lots of losers – and I was going to do whatever it took to be the one left standing.

It’s difficult to let your own light shine brightly when you are secretly wanting to dim other people’s light at the same time.

Competition is part of life.

Yet, it’s different when you’re playing monopoly with your family on the weekend or a game of hoops vs. living out your big mission and doing the work you’ve been uniquely called to do.

You’ve worked hard to get where you are – and you know that there is more that you’re called to do.

And, you can see it up ahead – and perhaps you can’t seem to reach it just yet.

When I witness someone get a big opportunity with a client I want to work with, it would be easy for me to wander down the trail of comparison.

In a matter of moments, I could create an entire novel and upcoming sequel in my head.

The storyline is the same, “Who did I think I was to actually think I could work with that client?”

Yes, I could write the entire plot and convince myself that my mission and calling was something I made up and clearly I’m not called to teach anyone the steps to design their destiny.

When I’m at my best, I celebrate their success and pick up the phone and congratulate them.

In my weaker moments, it feels as if life is passing me by.

There have been times when I wanted to be happy for them but was too busy wondering, “Why wasn’t it me?”

When I look behind those thoughts, I see the scarcity rising up.

• Why didn’t that happen to me?
• I wonder if the world really does need what I have to offer…….
• She’s much more gifted than I am in that area……

What I appreciate about having a company named Upside Thinking, Inc. is its ability to keep me centered and focused on what I know is true.

There is always an Upside.

Shine Our Light

I believe at the core of my being that everything that is happening is happening for my benefit – for me, not to me.

I also believe that everything in the Universe is conspiring for my greatest good.

Everything.

These are my truths and they guide and direct my actions throughout the day.

When I look at my future and vision from a place of limited supply, it erases these beliefs and changes them to “Someone else’s success is a threat to me.”

“Then give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.” – Madeline Bridges, American poet

So, what do I do to stay connected to my truths?

Every day, I ask God to bless the people in my life.

I actively look for ways to support others through my words and actions.

I send cards and gifts to cheer on the people I value and treasure for their great work in the world.

I band with fellow difference makers to create beautiful music together, collaborating on projects that I could work on alone.

When you watch others achieve what you want, it’s easy to get disheartened.

Don’t.

You’ve got this.

Take it from someone who has struggled with the delicate balance of healthy competition and that which will turn me into a hot mess, you have gifts, talents, and abilities that are unique to you.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Action Item

The Upside Challenge of the week is to shine light on where you are operating from scarcity. What will you do to move into abundance?

People follow the person first, then their great plan.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Comfort doesn’t change the world. Vulnerability…changes everything. ?

Please feel free to comment below and to share this post with others you think may find it of interest. I appreciate you.

CEO of Upside Thinking, Inc., Lisa Marie Platske creates high-performing leaders, coaching women (and a few brave men) around the globe. An award-winning leadership expert and #1 best-selling author, she uses her law enforcement journey to share what exceptional leaders do differently to seize untapped opportunities, why connection is the new currency, and how to position yourself as a stand-out expert in your industry. Connected to God, Lisa Marie listens and lets Him lead. The founder of Design Your Destiny LIVE?, she lives in Alexandria, VA, with her loving and supportive husband, Jim and their two pet foxes.