A Prayer

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

a return to love - marianne williamson


My mom sent me this prayer the other day in response to a conversation we had had. I am my own worst critic and generally am down on myself, especially regarding grades. The IMBA program has been kicking my butt and has caused me to doubt myself constantly-both my decision to be here and my intelligence in general. Having had several conversations with momma about both these doubts, she found this prayer to inspire me. I'm hoping I can change my point of view and that my time in France will help me do that.