“Be the one to stand out in the crowd,
Be the one to go where they’d rather not.
Beautiful things don’t beg for a chance to glow
They throw out their lights and just shine out loud!”
— Chinonye J. Chidolue

How long have you been waiting for your moment to shine?

You are still waiting, because only you can initiate your moment. No one else can do it for you. Everyone else is too busy struggling to even notice you begging for permission.

So why wait? What is it you think you need from others anyway?

Sure, there is knowledge to be gained from others, but you must put it to work. You must walk the path and refine knowledge into wisdom. In the act of walking the path, you produce things of value. Your unique perspective is a competitive advantage.

Get out there and blaze your own trail in life. Self-direct your course. Go where others dare not tread. Your heroes journey awaits you.

Are you afraid of what others might think? Most people aren’t even paying attention. The rest are not impressed by indecision. They merely commiserate. Is that your definition of shining?

Are you afraid of failure? Failure is your constant companion. Rejoice in it! Make ready your experiments. The bolder the better. Produce grand explosions and brilliant lights. Success or failure both lead to growth, but only if you act.

You are a beautiful miracle of nature. All that is in this universe is yours to claim, if only you have the courage to grasp it. Unshutter your lantern and shine bright!

You of all things don’t beg for the chance to shine. Throw out your lights and become who you were always meant to be.