It’s Your Turn to Shine
This week I’m honored to share a guest blog by Dean Raasch. I met Dean through one of my favorite groups, the National Speakers Association – Wisconsin Chapter. His story of his life’s struggles, including being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 19, are a surprise considering his amazing upbeat attitude and love of life. Dean has authored and published an inspirational children’s book, “Always Here”, and a second book soon to be published, “Hugs from Heaven.”
Have you ever heard the following phrases?
- If not now, then when?
- If not you, then who?
Sometimes we forget the power that we possess. This power is not in just a few of us, but it is in all of us. Marianne Williamson wrote one my favorite poems, Our Deepest Fear, in that poem she says “it is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us”.
Can you relate to that idea that many times we are more afraid of our potential than our current status? I know I can. I think about it all the time. I have ideas, beliefs, passions for making big changes, but then I pull myself back, wondering, “Can I really make this happen? Am I smart enough, driven enough, qualified enough, to make the changes in this world that I think need to be made?”
There is a reason why each of us comes up with brilliant ideas. There is a reason why each of us feels passionate about our ideas. There is a reason why each of us feels the need to act on our ideas. And, unfortunately, there is a reason why the majority of us pull back and never act on making those ideas a reality.
I’m sure you’ve heard stories of everyday people that have done extraordinary things in their lifetime. People will ask them how they were able to be so brave, achieve so much or make such a difference. Many of them shrug it off and comment that they followed their gut, believed in themselves or just knew it was up to them to make it happen.
As you look around your world today and into the future, you will suddenly have a feeling or an idea that you feel must be acted upon. I’m asking you to trust your gut. Let your light shine through. Go out and make a difference in this world.
Ms. Williamson goes on to say, “We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?”
She’s right. Who are you not to be? You were given those talents, passions and drive so that you can make a difference. Now it’s time to answer those 2 questions above. The answers are:
I start now and I will do it!
Dean Raasch is a Consultant, Inspirational Speaker, Author and Podcast Host. He inspires change in businesses and individuals through impactful consulting, coaching and keynote speeches. His podcast, Raasch Thoughts, can be found on iTunes. He is a Professional Member of the National Speaker’s Association and can be contacted at dean@deanraasch.com or www.deanraasch.com.
