On Owning Your Brilliance

In this season of blossoming, I reflect back on a journal entry in my custom wellness journal from I don't remember when, but what I do remember is that I came to the realization in my self-care journaling, "I am worthy of my brilliance."

It was a journey for me to get there. I had been struggling for years with depression, which took the form of viewing myself in a negative light - a failure by default. Even when friends and loved ones would encourage me, reminding me of my strengths and qualities, my mind would shake its head, "No, no..."

But I had this moment of clarity, after lots of internal work and ongoing self-care journaling, that - not only do I have brilliance - I am worthy of it. I am worthy of the gifts my ancestors passed down to me. I am worthy of claiming and owning my brilliance. There is no need to shrink myself anymore.

You, too, have your own brilliance. We all do.

Your brilliance that comes from your natural self. It comes from your lifetime of growing and struggling and learning and stumbling and adjusting and persevering. From your ancestors, your culture, your heritage, and the love that others have poured into you.

Your brilliance is yours. Your brilliance need not look like anyone else's. Your brilliance might be big and bold or it might be soft, but sturdy.

There is no need to shrink yourself. You are worthy of your brilliance.

I invite you to reflect on and journal to this journal prompt:

What is my brilliance? 

As you journal, let go. Let go of restrictions you have placed on yourself, or that others have placed on you, that say you need to shrink yourself. Let go, and let your mind wander as you explore and reconnect with the forms of your brilliance. You might describe your brilliance as characteristic traits. You can also journal about specific experiences where your brilliance shone.

As you journal, let yourself smile inside. Let your brilliance radiate out like the sun.