Reclaiming Your Inner Light: Remembering the Power of Letting Yourself Shine

As women, we are natural champions for others. We lift them up, support their dreams, celebrate their wins, and glow with pride when they shine. But here’s a question that stops me in my tracks every time I ask it: 

Why do we, as women, derive more joy from watching others shine than we do from shining ourselves?

There’s something beautiful about our instinct to encourage and uplift, but somewhere along the way many of us learned to dim our own light—to stay humble, stay small, stay polite, stay in the background. And yet…

You are a bright light too.
A radiant one. A powerful one. One that deserves to shine just as boldly as anyone else you cheer on.

So today, let’s shift the focus inward. Let’s choose to honor, embrace, and amplify the light within you. Here are a few simple, heartfelt ways to stop dimming and start glowing. 

1. Honor What Makes You Shine

We’re quick to name the strengths we see in others, yet hesitant to recognize our own. The truth is, you shine because of your uniqueness—your warmth, your wisdom, your resilience, your creativity, your kindness. 

Action Step:
Write down three qualities you love about yourself. They can be simple or profound—just make sure they are yours. Let seeing them in writing be a reminder that you are a source of light, too. 

2. Celebrate Your Wins Today

We’re conditioned to move on quickly from our own accomplishments—straight to the next responsibility, the next task, the next person who needs us. But joy expands when we acknowledge it. 

Action Step:
Celebrate one thing you did well today. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to matter to you. Give yourself the same applause you’d give a friend. 

3. Take Up Space—Without Apology

Too often we apologize for things that don’t require an apology: our feelings, our boundaries, our preferences, our dreams. Every unnecessary “I’m sorry” chips away at our shine. 

Action Step:
Replace one automatic apology with a “thank you.” For example: “Sorry I’m late” becomes “Thank you for waiting.” It’s a subtle shift, but it changes everything. 

4. Surround Yourself With Soul-Lifters

Your light grows brighter in the company of women who want to see you shine. Notice who celebrates your wins, encourages your dreams, and sees your potential even on days you don’t. 

Action Step:
Reach out to one woman who lifts you up. Let her know she makes a difference. Celebrate the relationship that reminds you of your own brilliance. 

5. Let Your Inner Wise Woman Speak

Deep down, you already know where you’ve been dimming your light. Maybe it’s staying quiet when you want to speak up. Maybe it’s hiding a talent. Maybe it’s denying a dream because you’re afraid of outshining someone. Your inner Wise Woman knows. And she’s whispering. All you have to do is listen. 

Action Step:
Ask yourself: Where am I dimming my light? And what is one small way I can shine a little brighter today? Let the answer guide you. 

The Wise Woman says . . .

You are not meant to live in the shadows. You are not here to be second in line behind everyone else’s brilliance. You are a bright, bold, beautiful light—and the world is better when you let yourself shine. So cheer for others, yes. Lift them when they rise, celebrate their glow, honor their gifts. But don’t forget this truth: You deserve to shine just as much as anyone you lift up. Today, let yourself glow. Step into your light without apology. Shine, girl, shine.