The Shadow of Ourselves

There is a genuine self, the reality of you that is never seen. The true you that is with you everyday. The friend that only you know and understand. The one that wants to sleep late or sing out loud. The one that can draw, write or dance incredibly well. The one that could become a great success, if only you would let them.

So much of our full potential gets muted just to go along. The richness of our soul is diminished among the pressure of appearances. To be truly ourselves and do exactly what we desire gets sidelined for the sake of conformity. We rationalize it by saying, "What will they think of me? Maybe I'm not good enough, they might laugh at me."

How far away from your genuine essence are you? How many times do you go along for the sake of others. Do you feel trapped with your hidden self? Everyone does, but only you know the creative and passionate things that live within you. Only you know how much of that richness you hide.

Be brave, and let it be shown. So much potential is left wasted inside all of us. Open up, let it be seen, become the person you know you can be. The world needs more richness and talent right now. Imagine how vibrant and innovative the world could be, if we opened up the blinds and let the light shine in. The worst thing we can do is waste our true potential hidden in the shadow of ourselves.

— John