Why not recognise your greatness?

A recent visit by a fellow New Zealander reminded me of our cultural preference for the ‘low-key’, where a 'skite' is someone who talks about their achievements, let alone brags about them and modesty is revered.

Not all cultures or individuals would agree it is such a positive thing.

Perhaps it is the effect of seeing ‘Il Vittoriano’ everyday, but am wondering if we do overrate modesty as a virtue.

That huge glorious monument was built in honour of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy.  And whether you like the design or not, it is hard to deny that it boldly, unashamedly, unconditionally bursts with confidence, magnificence and importance.

It is so ‘just call me fabulous”.

And why not?

Why not recognise one’s greatness?.

Each one of us is a miracle.  Any pregnant woman or mother would say as much. 

It draws me to Marianne Williamson’s1 often quoted words:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves who am I to be, brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God2. Your playing small does not serve the world.  There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others".

Sources/Notes:

1. From A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson, http://www.marianne.com/

2. Whatever you deem God to be! (my addition).

Image source: own.