As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. - Nelson Mandela


I was sharing with a dear friend the other day; someone I trust and care for. In our sharing I quoted a couple of people I have learned from and have impacted my life. She questioned why I do this - what makes them the expert? More importantly, why don't I simply state what I believe and honour that? This certainly gave me pause.

I realized I quote others because I felt that without crediting someone else I won't have credibility. "They" have stature and reputation that I in my mind, do not.

Hmm - so what does that say about me?

Perhaps it says I don't trust my own belief systems or perhaps myself. I didn't have faith that others might see my beliefs as having value. I wasn't walking the talk about owning my power.

In forming my beliefs I gather information and along with my current knowledge base, accept or reject the information that makes sense in my world. The information I accept must feel right and inspire me. Hands on experience, if available, will convince me, one way or the other. Life experiences, personal and sometimes those of others, are also measurements that are convincers for me.

With this new awareness of myself, I can now share what I believe with others, trusting myself, my gifts, my beliefs, my experiences. I can trust what I have to share has value, if not to all, certainly for some. I am good enough. I am credible. Whether or not others agree, is immaterial. I will listen to the opinions of others with an open mind. I will accept that what they believe works for them is as important as what I believe works for me.

So, folks - I have a voice and I own it! Now there, my dear, is an AHA!