Shine Boldly: Why We Should Never Dim Our Light for Others

Your light—your skills, ideas, and voice—has a purpose that no one else can fulfill."If we can't shine boldly, why won't darkness assume we are willing to blend in?" Feji khai

In a world that often expects us to fit in, blend, or adjust to make others comfortable, many people find themselves tempted to hold back, dimming their lights to accommodate others. This choice might seem considerate on the surface, but in reality, it often costs us our unique brilliance and potential. As the message says, "If we can't shine boldly, why won't darkness assume we are willing to blend in?"

Dimming our light for others can feel like a kindness, a way to keep the peace or make others feel at ease. But each time we diminish ourselves, we lose a piece of who we are meant to be. We lose our radiance, our unique qualities, and the potential impact we could have on the world. In essence, by shrinking ourselves to fit into the expectations or insecurities of others, we start becoming a shadow of our true selves.

The Cost of Dimming Your Light

When we consistently make ourselves small, it isn’t just a one-time act—it becomes a habit. Over time, we risk losing sight of our own abilities, gifts, and passions. Self-doubt creeps in, and soon enough, we might forget the things that make us unique and powerful. If you dim your light long enough, you may start to believe that you were never meant to shine at all.

Consider how a lighthouse works. It stands tall, shining brightly, serving as a guide in the darkest of times. Imagine if that lighthouse chose to dim its light so it wouldn’t outshine the nearby streetlights. Sailors would lose their way, and the very purpose of the lighthouse would be lost. In the same way, when we choose not to shine, we rob others of the value and inspiration we could bring into their lives. Your light—your skills, ideas, and voice—has a purpose that no one else can fulfill.

Embracing Your True Radiance

Letting yourself shine brightly doesn’t mean overshadowing others or being insensitive to those around you. It simply means embracing who you truly are and bringing that authenticity into everything you do. When we allow ourselves to shine unapologetically, we give others permission to do the same. It’s an invitation for people to bring their full selves into the world and to do so confidently.

Authenticity isn’t just a personal trait; it’s contagious. When you are authentic, it encourages others to drop their masks and embrace their true selves. So, when you shine brightly, you’re not just fulfilling your potential; you’re inspiring those around you to do the same.

The World Needs Your Light

The idea that "darkness assumes we are willing to blend in" if we don’t shine is a poignant reminder. There are countless voices, systems, and beliefs that would prefer for people to remain quiet, small, and unnoticed. But the world doesn’t change through conformity. It changes when people dare to be different, to speak out, to create, and to inspire.

If everyone dimmed their light to blend in, we would live in a very dark world indeed. Innovations, art, discoveries, and revolutions come from people who dared to shine despite opposition or discomfort. Whether your light is in science, art, entrepreneurship, social justice, or simply kindness, the world needs it. You have a unique role to play, one that no one else can fulfill. Letting your light shine isn’t just about you; it’s about the positive impact you bring to everyone around you.

The Freedom of Being Unapologetically Yourself

There is an immense sense of freedom in letting go of the need for approval and embracing who you truly are. When you stop dimming your light, you no longer have to carry the burden of pretending. You become more in tune with your passions and more aligned with your purpose. This self-acceptance is empowering. It fuels resilience and gives you the courage to face challenges, knowing that you are living in alignment with your true self.

Practical Ways to Shine Boldly

1. Acknowledge Your Strengths: Start by recognizing your unique abilities and the value you bring. Write down your strengths and remind yourself of them often.
2. Speak Up and Share Your Ideas: Don’t hold back your thoughts because you fear they might be “too much” for others. Speak confidently, and share your ideas freely.
3. Set Boundaries: Protect your energy by setting boundaries with those who attempt to dim your light. Surround yourself with people who celebrate your authenticity.
4. Celebrate Others’ Light Too: When you see others shining, celebrate it. Supporting others who embrace their uniqueness reinforces your own commitment to shining brightly.
5. Embrace Growth: Seek out opportunities that align with your passions and values, even if they push you out of your comfort zone. Growth often happens when we allow ourselves to shine in new and challenging ways.

Conclusion

Choosing to shine boldly isn’t always easy. It may attract criticism or make some people uncomfortable. But it’s far better to live authentically and face those challenges than to live a life that never truly feels like your own. Each of us has a light, and each light adds to the beauty and diversity of the world. So, never dim your light to accommodate others. Embrace your radiance, and let it shine boldly. The world is waiting for the unique brilliance only you can offer.

Aderogba Otunla, Ph.D.