Shining Brightly or Running on Empty?

“Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save;     they just stand there shining.” 

– Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott says it so beautifully. Be yourself. Let your light shine. Stand tall and proud like a lighthouse being exactly who you’re meant to be…doing exactly what you’re meant to do…shining your own special light into the world. When we run around trying to be what everyone else wants us to be rather than standing firmly in our own brilliance, we end up draining our precious creative resources, energy and light.

What is it that you love to do? What makes your heart sing and time fly? That is your Creative Oasis™! That’s how you can let your light shine.

Do you like to try recipes from around the globe? Do you like to create cards to share with family and friends or even total strangers? Do you like to belt out songs for your kids, your grandkids or just for the sheer joy of singing?

Then please…by all means…cook, create, croon!

And know this…not everyone is going to love your Swisschard, chickpea and tamarind stew, but the people who do will ask for the recipe and daydream of the culinary delight your shared for days!

Recipe by Yotam Ottolenghi

Not every stranger will know quite what to make of your homemade cards, but the people who desperately need to receive a word of hope and encouragement (especially from a total stranger) will be lifted up by your creative kindness in a beautiful ways you may never even see.

Card I made for my daughter just cuz

And if even one child, grandchild or neighbor with an open-window experiences the musical joy you exude while singing a song at the top of your lungs as much as you do, then consider that a bonus to the freedom you feel when you let yourself croon a tune.

It’s worth your time. It’s worth your effort. It’s worth the expense. It matters. You matter. Please don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. We are here to let all of our talents, passions and dreams shine!

Will everyone like this Mid-Week Oasis Moment? No. Does my Creative Oasis Coaching appeal to everyone on the planet? Certainly not.  Am I trying to share my message with all the people of Earth? No way.

But, I know that this will resonate with a few of you, and that today you’ll allow yourself to shine a bit more brightly than you may have otherwise and the world will be a bit better and brighter for it and that is enough for me.

“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously                                                       give other people permission to do the same.” 

– Marianne Williamson

As I write this I’m looking out the window of our rented beach house watching the waves crash ashore, the seabirds fly by and the clouds roll in. Before we left Dallas last week I’d already chosen the Anne Lamott quote for this week’s post and created the visual below. When we arrived here on Dauphin Island I saw a fun lighthouse statue and decided to add my own dash of island light to this Mid-Week Oasis Moment. How’s that for a heemeesheemee? (my word for a serendipitous moment)

What’s one small way you can use creativity to let your light shine today?

Until next time, all the best from my Creative Oasis to yours wherever you may be,

Jill

All rights reserved 2013 - Jill Allison Bryan - www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. – If you'd like to have Mid-Week Oasis Moments (bite-sized bonbons of creative inspiration) delivered each week please sign up here: http://www.creativeoasiscoaching.com/newsletter.html

You'll also receive a free copy of "Permission to Be Creative 101" – my short e-book that will help you take the first small steps to make the time and space for creative fulfillment – your Creative Oasis – in  your busy life!