First, let me let you know that I have lost one pound since I last posted. So it’s four pounds in total. I ran for about 20 minutes on the treadmill four days this week. I drank about 80 ounces of water each day. I also joined a Facebook group comprised of other women on a similar journey. Everyday the organizers of the group give us a fitness challenge like “how many jumping jacks can you do in four minutes?” Admittedly this was tough for me. Made me feel old. I had to stop throughout, and I was gasping for air. But I did 400! I have to accept who I am on this journey…accept my shortcomings…accept my strengths. The power of community helps me push on!

So many of you have been so supportive. My heart swells with gratitude. For this reason, I want to share a piece which has inspired me for years. I first read it when I was in my early thirties and began to really question the purpose of my life. When we really think about it, what is our deepest fear?

Our Deepest Fear

by Marianne Williamson

from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

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