The Journey Inward

"It's wonderful when you bring SPARKLE into people's lives without allowing your true colors to fade."  ~Dodinsky

I love this idea so much!  I've never been much of a sparkly dresser, but I've come to love that word to describe a personality or presence!  Recently, I bought a magnet in New Hope to have in my classroom that says Main Character Energy.  It resonated with me because that's what we each are...the main character in our own lives.  But sometimes we live as though we are a sidekick to our parents, spouse, children, friends, or coworkers.  We repeatedly put their needs first, sacrifice opportunities for ourselves to give them to others, make ourselves smaller so another can shine brighter, or suppress our needs so that no one is inconvenienced.

All that does is dull our sparkle, dim our light.  Life and relationships are a balance, for sure, but nothing should require us to be less us.  No one should want us to be us, just less.  That's not healthy, validating or necessary.  When each person does his work, we can each show up as we are.

I have amazing friends, and can be myself with them.  At this point in my life, those relationships are very rich.  I have met some new friends recently who have helped me rediscover things about myself from a fresh eyes perspective (you know your people love you, no matter what!).  They reminded me that I am fun, funny, quirky, bubbly, smart, caring, aware of myself and others, informed, active, inclusive, communicative, and articulate.  Hearing these adjectives from new people has given me a stronger sense of pride in myself and comfort in my own skin.  I've also deepened some family relationships and feel like I'm being seen for the first time for who I am.

I feel sparkly these days and that feels amazing.  My shine does not come from others, from compliments, or from validation.  But others can remind me of what I hadn't fully embraced.  I sparkle and shine.  I will continue to try to not let my colors fade in the presence of others.

Each day this month, I am reading and writing about an entry from gentle reminders:  SIMPLE TRUTHS FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE by Dodinsky.  This book was given to me after my divorce by a friend, with this inscription: "Let your soul sparkle." 

Photo:  Flemington, NJ.  1.21.25 by LA