Lee gave me this early little Mother’s Day treat today. They were so sweetingly good I couldn’t even finish them! I have been pondering a lot about last month’s quote by Marianne Williamson. It is one of my absolute favorites and the words have been a guiding force.
Particularly, two lines stood out to me this past month. “You playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”
As I have been analyzing my behavior around others, I’ve come to a realization about myself that is quite annoying. I tend to put myself down while uplifting others. For example, I catch myself saying things like, “Oh I’m not good at cooking. I would have burned it. This souffle you made is amazing.” OR “You take the most beautiful photos. I just could never do that.” When in reality, I am very good at cooking and I wouldn’t have burnt it and I do take a pretty decent photo. My compliments to the souffle and photo do not gain strength by creating a weakness in myself.
I love giving compliments. I am someone who compliments often and sincerely. Most people are taken off guard by this, but it is something that is truly natural for me and comes from the heart. So I’ve asked myself this month, if I am always giving people compliments why can’t I give one to myself? Why at times do I put myself down while trying to lift another? I have even on a occasion told people that I bought items at the store when I actually made them just so….hmmm…why?…so they will feel more secure? Doing this is false humility. There is nothing noble about it. Humility is not denying your talents or hiding your light. It is acknowledging those gifts and recognizing they came from the Almighty.
Marianne was so right: “You playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”
I was taught at a very young age how to accept a compliment. Whenever someone tells me something positive, I always say ‘Thank You” and accept it with grace. Phrases such as, “That is so nice of you to say.” and “Thank you very much for noticing.” are ingrained in my vocabulary. But now I am older, I need to learn an additional skill. I need to learn how to give my soul a compliment, own what I am good at in true humility, and fearlessly exercise my God given-gifts to bless others.
Do you see why I love getting older? I am learning so much! If I could only age faster.
