How to Shine When Others Try to Dim Your Light
How to shine despite the darkness? Do you ever feel you are hiding or toning down your true self or talents because of someone else’s negativity or insecurity? Maybe it’s a friend who constantly puts you down, a partner who doesn’t appreciate your achievements, or a family member who doesn’t support your dreams. Whatever the situation, you may have experienced what it’s like to have someone try to dim your light.
Dimming your light means letting others’ opinions, expectations, or judgments affect your self-esteem and confidence. It means suppressing or minimizing your authentic expression, unique gifts, and power. It also means comparing yourself to others and feeling inadequate or inferior.
But you don’t have to let anyone dim your light. You have the right and the responsibility to shine brightly and share your brilliance with the world. I have compiled some tips that I have learned from reading a lot, experiencing and watching a lot of educational videos and movies, and they are as follows;
Recognize your value.
The first step to shining is to appreciate your worth. You are not defined by what others think or say about you. Also, you are not less than anyone else. Indeed, you have something unique and valuable to offer, and you deserve respect and recognition. Take pride in your strengths, skills, and achievements, and celebrate them often.
For example, if you are a teacher, you may have felt unappreciated or undervalued by your students, parents, or administrators. You may have doubted your abilities or impact as an educator. But instead of letting those negative feelings get to you, you can recognize your value as a teacher. Remind yourself of how much you love teaching, how much you have learned and grown as a professional, and how much you have helped and inspired your students. Apart from this, you can keep a portfolio of your achievements, feedback, and testimonials and review them regularly to boost your confidence and motivation.
As Oprah Winfrey said, “You are responsible for the energy that you create for yourself, and you’re responsible for the energy that you bring to others.”
Set healthy boundaries.
The second step is to protect your energy and space from those who try to dim your light. You don’t have to tolerate anyone who treats you poorly, undermines, or puts you down. Undoubtedly, say no, walk away, or limit contact with such people. You can also communicate clearly and assertively what you need and expect from others and what you will not accept.
For example, if you have a friend who complains about their problems but never listens to yours, you may have felt drained or frustrated by their one-sided relationship. You may feel like you should be there for them 24/7, even if it is unhealthy. But instead of letting that friend take advantage of you, you can set healthy boundaries with them. Also, you can tell them you care about them, but you also need them to respect your time and feelings. Additionally, suggest they seek professional help if they need more support than you can offer. As Brené Brown said, “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.”
Follow your passion.
The third step is to pursue what makes you happy and fulfilled. You don’t have to conform to others’ standards or expectations. You don’t have to give up on your dreams or goals because someone else doesn’t approve or support them. Besides, you can follow your path and express your creativity and individuality. Likewise, you can find like-minded people who share your vision and values and encourage and inspire you.
Take for example, if you have a passion for music, but your parents want you to become a lawyer, you may have felt conflicted or pressured by their expectations. You may have felt guilty or afraid to disappoint or go against their wishes. But instead of giving up, you can follow it. You can explain to your parents why music is significant and how it makes you happy and fulfilled. Also, you can show them that you can pursue music as a career or a hobby and still be successful and responsible in other areas of your life. You can also find mentors, teachers, or peers who share your passion for music and can guide, support, and motivate you.
As Steve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Be yourself.
The fourth and final step is to be yourself. You don’t have to change or hide who you are to fit in or please others. You don’t have to pretend or compromise your authenticity. Indeed, you can be proud of your identity, personality, and style. You can also embrace your flaws, mistakes, and vulnerabilities and learn from them. Additionally, you can show up as you are and let your light shine through.
If you are gay but live in a conservative or homophobic society, you may be ashamed or afraid to be yourself. You may have felt the need to hide or deny your sexual orientation or to conform to heteronormative standards. But instead of changing or hiding who you are, you can be yourself. You can be proud of your identity, personality, and style. You can also embrace your flaws, mistakes, and vulnerabilities and learn from them. Show up as you are and let your light shine through. Find allies, friends, or communities who accept and celebrate you for who you are and who can protect and empower you in times of need. As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Remember, you are a star in your own right, and no one can take that away. Don’t let anyone dim your light; shine brighter than ever!
Conclusion
Altogether, you have a light within you to shine brightly and illuminate the world. You have a purpose, a passion, and a power that are uniquely yours. Also, you have value, a voice, and a vision worthy of respect and recognition. Never let anyone or anything dim your light or make you feel less than you are. Instead, embrace your true self, follow your heart, and express your gifts. You are a star, and you deserve to sparkle!
We often fear our greatness more than our darkness. Sometimes, we wonder, ‘How can I be so amazing, beautiful, skilled, and wonderful?’ Actually, how can you not be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not help the world. There is nothing wise about hiding so people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.
Most importantly, we were born to reveal the glory of God within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we inspire others to do the same. When we shine our light, it helps others to see their light, too.
I hope this article about Shine Despite Darkness inspires you to change your life for the better. Remember: You have the power to make a difference in the world! Thank you for reading, and see you at the next one!
