What U.S. Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson Told Me About Overcoming Fear and Insecurities

Back in 2013 I interviewed Marianne Williamson for Forbes about how people can be more spiritual and overcome economic uncertainties and struggles. Little did I know that she would eventually run as a U.S. presidential candidate for the democratic party! Marianne has been a public figure for decades, first as a spiritual teacher and now as someone who is trying to create change through our political system. When I reached back out to Marianne regarding a follow up interview this year for my podcast, 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel, she immediately told her assistant that she wanted to participate. And, that's the kind of person Marianne is, she remembers past connections, honors relationships and is a force of nature when it comes to messaging, promotion and assembling a tribe.

One of the questions that I didn't ask her back in 2013 that I really wanted to ask her this year was about overcoming fears and insecurities. We all have our own fears and insecurities and they can prevent us from reaching out full potential, being fulfilled and happy in our lives. Many of us are willing to maintain these fears and insecurities because it feels safer and easier. In response, Marianne said "We're too obsessed with self and that's where the fear comes from." She then went on to conclude that, "It's not about you but about extending who and what you are into the life of another." Basically, we live in a "me" culture, where everyone is so self involved and, in many ways, narcissistic. The more we think about ourselves the more our insecurities take over and we become fearful of the future. We overcome fear and insecurities when we connect with other people and are open about them. It's liberating to speak openly about your problems and actually empowers others to reciprocate. It's easier to be vulnerable with someone else, when they have already been vulnerable with you. Your guard is lowered and you feel free.

We've lost a sense of community because of so much self-involvement and obsession. Our differences have separated us from each other, when they should challenge our beliefs in a positive way. Marianne's message is so relevant because we need each other to survive, function and have meaning in our lives. Politics has divided us and it's time to come together, establish community and prioritize what matters most - deep human relationships with one another. Living in service of others is gratifying and what we are on this earth to do.

You can listen to my podcast, 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel, on iTunes, YouTube (for extended video interviews), Spotify, Overcast, or others.