Nelson Mandela still hangs on for dear life while in critical condition at a South African hospital. 94 years old, he was admitted on June 8 due to a chronic lung infection. In continued honor of this great man of peace, I am occasionally posting some of his most famous quotes. Here is one from his autobiography, A Long Walk to Freedom:

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

As I get older, I gain a greater understanding of what it means to “let my light shine”. To me, it starts by recognizing that I am a worthy and beautiful person. (This realization has taken me decades, as I spent most of my life thinking the opposite.) I AM worthy, and therefore there is abundant light within me. As I let my light shine, and walk confidently in that knowledge, I notice it has an impact on others, putting them at ease.

This may not be what Nelson Mandela had in mind when he wrote this, but it seems to be what he is speaking to me at this stage in life.

LET IT SHINE!!

Artwork courtesy of Deseret News.