Are You Dimming Your Light Without Realizing It?
"Don't Show Off" - that's what I heard, and here's what it created
We were near Lassen Volcanic National Park in California and decided to hike Subway Cave. Because we've done plenty of caves before, we came prepared with jackets and flashlights. We were about to enter when another family with young kids walked up without lights, so Edward offered a couple of ours, and the girls generously jumped in offering theirs too.
After exploring, we ended up meeting the family outside. We learned about their business, their kids, and even offered some resources that might support them. We exchanged numbers and promised to follow up.
The next day, we unexpectedly crossed paths again on a trail in the National Park as they were finishing and we were just starting. It was a brief encounter, we said hi, exchanged a few words and were then on our way.
Afterward, Edward asked me, “Do you remember their names?” Now I know he knows I do, so I listed them off: “Bobby, Jenny, Isaiah, Barbie, and McKenzie.”
He exclaimed, “What?! You even know the kids' names?! Why didn't you say that?
In that moment, I realized the truth: I had thought about it and I stopped myself because I heard an old voice inside saying “Don't Show Off.”
Edward continued, “You have a gift. They would have felt so special and seen. If I had that gift, I'd use it all the time.”
As I hiked, I thought about that belief: “Don't Show Off.” I saw how it was an old story from childhood, where being fully me sometimes felt unsafe. So I dimmed my light. Instead of stepping into my gift, I worried what they'd think of me and pulled back. I avoided the opportunity to make others feel seen and special.
Coming off the trail, I transformed it. Going forward instead of worrying how I look, I am choosing to focus on serving others. My gifts aren't “too much.” They are exactly what makes a difference.
✨ This is Freedom Unleashed: noticing the limiting beliefs that hold you back and transforming them into a powerful way of being…. releasing what no longer serves you so you can be free to fully be YOU.
This isn't just about me; it's about all of us. We all carry old beliefs that dim our light. When you let go, you create space to shine, and by shining you give others permission to shine too. It reminds me of my favorite Marianne Williamson poem Our Deepest Fear.
Freedom Unleashed Takeaway:
Notice when you dim your light.
Identify the thought that causes you to pull back.
Transform it into the focus of how it powerfully contributes to others… then shine brightly, because the world needs your light!
