I think that there is a deep truth in this quote that more people (myself included) need to realize and apply.
"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, and fabulous? Actually, who are you
not to
be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's 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 others permission to do the same. As we are
liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates
others."
- Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles", Ch. 7, Section 3 (1992)