Lessons Learned From Being My Authentic Self

Being who you were created to be, shining brightly for all the world to see, is not all its cracked up to be. "The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials." Confucius

I've had my share of trials. Many of them have left me broken, weak and wounded. I've discovered that during these seasons of life that many individuals will flock to your side to show pity and even come to your rescue. Some with pure intensions and some with ill intensions of gaining some sort of recognition for helping you to overcome. Once you have regained your strength and begin to display a healthier self esteem and an inner strength (that only comes from God) those with pure intension will rejoice with you, but some won't be happy about it. Some become intimidated by your strength and don't know how to take you when you are at your best. These experiences have caused me to withdrawal into seclusion during my broken seasons and emerge cautiously. Often times dumbing down (shining less) to not intimidate others or to not seem too intelligent, for fear of rejection.

The Truth Is...

The brighter you shine the more you expose darkness. The dark places around you, and the dark place within the hearts of individuals you encounter. Everything is illuminated around you. You see clearly what had been hidden in your broken state. No longer can you be manipulated by others who saw an opportunity to build you up for their personal gain. When you are empowered, free, and strong there will be individuals who will hate the light because they are in darkness; individuals who are magnetically drawn to the light because they see something in you that they need; or individuals who recognize the kindred spirit within and instantly connect with you because they are shining the same light and together you shine even brighter.

The lesson learned is that no matter what type of people you encounter, don't allow your light to be snuffed out because the people around you can't handle it, intimidated by it, or are jealous of it. Shine bright no matter what because eventually either they will be so drawn to the light that their own darkness will fade or they will depart from your life. Be empowered and continue to shine! Except from The Endurance Ride of Life©®™

Chi T. Mathias
ChiTMathias.com