Today, I was fortunate to be inducted as a Daily Point of Light honoree. The Daily Point of Light Award is presented by Points of Light each day, celebrating the power of individuals to spark change and improve the world. The Daily Point of Light Award for individuals was established by President Bush in 1990.
When I was nominated, my first thought was I am not anything special. I had to respond to my nomination with more information about my service to others. A pet peeve of mine is talking about myself. One of the reasons is that the response I receive is either– “I don’t know how you do all of that.” or “When do you have time for anything else?” With both responses, I feel like my existence comes into question as if I am abnormal. So, I prefer not to speak about the work that I do, as if my volunteerism is some sort of dirty little secret to be hidden away from the world. As I wrote down the many volunteer activities I’m committed to, I realized that I need to change my narrative and see myself as the spark of light that I am.
Part of my spiritual journey has been finding my voice and stepping away from fear. Hiding away from the peering eyes of others is an act of fear. I lacked the confidence to trust my own voice to speak about my passions assuredly so that I am unbothered by the response or reactions of outside influences. But no longer…
Life is not meant to be lived in the shadows. I am realizing now that the pull I feel from my heart, puts me directly in the middle of the darkened world, so that I may be a beacon to those seeking something. I am not out here aiming to perform miracles but to some people, my actions may look extraordinary. My life is an example of what a typical human person can perform. It’s not in the exact activities in my life; it’s the fact that I follow my passions and when operating from the heart, the impossible becomes possible.
I’ve missed many opportunities to shine my light due to fear. Worrying about what others approved of or thought really slowed the progress of my finding myself, but it was a necessary part of the journey.
Don’t let fear keep you from living your best passionate life. Do your heart work, and be the point of light for other seekers.
I appreciate all the lessons that brought me to this place in my life and the opportunity to be honored as a Daily Point of Light. If you’d like to read my story and/or nominate someone in your life for the Daily Point of Light Award, please click here.
Look Within 
I read your story, Jennifer, and was not only impressed but felt a sense of well-being and hope because I think most people are kind and want to relate to others. But, you are committed and disciplined, which has enabled you to help others, when many of us do not take that initiative.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I have hope as well! I hope someone was able to relate to my story 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person