We Are Powerful Beyond Measure and That Can Be Terrifying!
“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.” — Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love
Marianne Williamson argued that all people are meant to shine. Fear may hold us back, prevent us from achieving our potential, and we mistakenly assume we’re afraid of failing. However, this quote gives us a powerful tool for overcoming self-doubt. If we are “powerful beyond measure” we can accomplish anything. We can live large, make brave choices, and create amazing lives.
Is this all there is?
There comes a point when we're faced with the choice of continuing on our current path or stepping into our larger selves and embracing our power.
This appears to be a tough decision. You've worked for decades perhaps, creating this life. Whether pursuing an education or working your way up the career ladder, you earned your place. Do you own a nice home and spend your weekends working in the yard or at your kids' soccer games? Do you enjoy traveling or sipping wine or puttering? You have a routine. You’re comfortable. You’re living a good life.
Yet...you know that this isn't all there is. Deep down you know there's more. But it’s unfamiliar and scary and right now you feel safe. Do you really want to rock the boat?
Two roads diverged...
Stepping out of our comfort zone is scary. Too scary for most of us. It’s uncertain, unknown. So we continue with our good but unfulfilling lives until one day we wake up and yawn out of boredom. We feel lethargic. Uninspired. Depressed. And we wonder what's wrong.
This is the fabled ‘fork in the road.’ Robert Frost’s two roads diverged [1]. The point where we decide to continue the status quo or step out of our comfort zone and into the unknown.
One choice feels safe: We continue doubting ourselves and ignoring the little voice that tells us what we really want. Changing feels impossible anyway. We fear being laughed at. We fear failure. So we don’t try. We remain on the safe path that keeps us from experiencing our true power.
Our lives are good but boring. We cope by drinking too much alcohol, watching meaningless tv, or buying more stuff. We keep busy. And even when our lives are uncomfortable, the familiarity of the discomfort feels comfortable! Many people will take this path and choose comfort and that’s totally ok.
The other choice feels risky.
There is no comfort in the unknown. We don’t know how we’ll get there or even where ‘there’ is. We are accompanied by all those fears that people use as excuses to avoid change. We still face doubt and fear failure.
And we do it anyway.
When we fail in one direction, we figure out what went wrong and try something else. Because once we’ve made the difficult choice, we find that we can continue to make difficult choices.
I took the one less traveled.
For me, it’s an easy choice because I don't want any regrets at the end of my life. I want the experience of living in the universal flow of energy and knowing that everything always works out for the best.
I get the deep satisfaction of knowing that I'm brave and strong. By being my most authentic, powerful self, I know I've inspired others to do the same. This is one of my contributions to the world.
Is it scary sometimes? Yes, it’s scary AF!
Fear doesn't kill us.
Fear is there to show us where we can grow.
Afraid that you won't have enough money? This is the time to deep dive into your money story and rewrite it.
Afraid you'll lose friends? This is the time to examine your friendships. If they don't like the real you, ask yourself if they’re the good friends you thought they were.
Afraid you'll look foolish? This is a wonderful time to work on self-esteem and adopt the belief that what you think of yourself is what matters.
Fear can be invigorating. It shows you that you're alive!
Harness your ‘power beyond measure.’
Marianne Williamson also said, “Your playing small does not serve the world.” When you reach the point of questioning your existence and face the choice between continuing in the familiar or reaching for more, ask yourself if you’re “playing small.”
Do you do ‘just enough’ to get by?
Do you hide your intelligence to avoid showing up your boss/boyfriend/neighbor?
Do you keep your opinions to yourself to avoid conflict?
Are you settling?
Dig deep into your fears and your strengths. We are here to learn and grow and make the world better for our having passed through. Serve the world by reaching your personal potential.
An authentic, powerful life is available to all of us. Look your deepest fear right in the eye and take it on!
Your life is waiting for you!
Let me know your thoughts below - I’d love to hear from you!
Renee Spears is a Law of Attraction Coach and Mentor, Spiritual Advisor, and Host of The Abundology Podcast. Learn more here.
[1] Read Robert Frost’s complete poem “The Road Not Taken” here.