Many times I have discussed instilling confidence in your children. Confidence is the vaccine to inadequacy. It prevents insecurities from creeping in. Doubts about our self and self worth diminish.

What @mariannewilliamson is talking about here is the ultimate confidence booster.

We are all children of God. How is it possible for us not to have infinite confidence in that alone?

I first saw this quote when reading @ryanmichler's book The Masculinity Manifesto. He references it to make the point that we are all born to shine and with that born to lead others as well. However, he takes issue with one point of the quote and I would agree. He says, "The only point I take issue with is that I do not think we are frightened by our light, but frightened by others' perceptions of us when we decide to shine it." (p.26).

There are times we make decisions or act based on how "others" will respond. In some cases, the "others" are our wife, family, or mentor, and it is good practice to listen and digest what they have to say. However, most of the time, it seems as though "others" refers to acquaintances or random internet trolls that have zero bearing on our life.

All this to say, shine your light. Why not you? As you take strides towards your goals, others will see this and be encouraged to do the same. As Williamson says, "As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather