More To Say About Profound Quote
Can Enough Be Said?
“You don’t want to waste your time with candle blower-outers.” Thank you so much to amazing Medium writer Alberto Garcia for expounding upon this quote by Brene Brown.
The piece got me thinking about additional things related to the quote(Garcia’s insights are profound and positively challenging). Here are a few points to add to the discussion.
“Everyone deserves to be given a chance to shine their inner light as brightly as possible.”
This should go without saying. However, it can be part of human nature to hold that some people do not deserve to let their inner light shine. Sometimes, this can be because of someone’s background or characteristics. Other times, it might be because of their worst transgressions.
Whatever the case, no one deserves to have their candle hidden under a bushel(as the old religious song goes).
“In many ways, damaged lamps shine more brightly.”
Where do we get the idea that lamps with more wear and tear glow less brightly(at least with humans’ inner light)? Maybe we’re thinking of streetlights that must shine at a certain level and height. Or perhaps we think of the fanciest lamps at the furniture store that meet the latest and greatest trends in home decor.
But when talking about humans’ inner light, isn’t it more like those oil or wick lamps carried by travelers in the dark of night? The darker the night, the farther the lamp’s light travels.
“There will be those who are not able to fully see your light. So often, that has more to do with circumstance and perspective than anything else.”
Garcia talks about different people who may tend to cast wind on someone’s light. This may include loved ones with an inferiority complex.
Multiple other times, people may not be able to fully see your light just because of where they are. This is not because people are cruel or intent on neglecting you — it is due to factors like the unbounded complexity of things and human nature.
We all may experience hurt or confusion if a loved one, confidante, or mentor from our past does not recognize us. But let’s remember how little we humans know about anything or anyone. How little do we know about the cashier who rings up our coffee at the gas station or even famous stars whose faces are known by millions but hearts known by maybe just a few?
The reality of our light’s elusiveness can serve as an inspiration. We can constantly shine bright in a way that wows and moves others. This would not be in a manner that is intimidating or overbearing. Rather, by listening to others and considering their place, we can become the light that they need.
The elusiveness of others’ light can also catalyze us to be more considerate of their gifts and beauty. If we take time to consider others more as the amazing people they are, we will not be disappointed at the riches we find.
