This is an excerpt from a previous article that I was strongly led to re-publish. In times like these; with acts of terror plaguing our cities, our countries, our world, it is imperative that we stop playing small and be the light. Peace begins with you and me. Don’t underestimate the power in every decision to choose love over fear in our daily lives.

We are all wired to want to contribute to the greater good. We all admire the Mother Theresas, Mahatma Gahndis, Dalai Lamas, Billy Grahams, Dr. Martin Luther King Jrs, Oprah Winfreys, or whoever it is that we hold in a place of esteem that seem to be giving in a way that makes the world a better place.

While we all have the innate desire to make our own marks of light and love we end up judging ourselves and comparing our gifts to the gifts of the “greats”, and then we believe that what we have to contribute pales in comparison. This thought process is a trap! It keeps us inactive and stagnant; It keeps us playing small. The truth is that we all come with a special and unique set of talents that the world is longing for us to give. Living in such a way that we use these gifts in service to others is the formula to happiness.

When you can stop comparing your offerings to the offerings of Gahndi, Theresa, Billy, and Oprah, you can begin to experience the joy that comes from blessing others with the amazing brilliance that is you.

Imagine life as a huge puzzle and everyone of us has a puzzle piece. By contributing our piece of the puzzle we contribute to the whole. Everyone has a unique puzzle piece that only they can give. I can’t force my jigsaw piece into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s space or your space. It’s my job to find the space in the grand design that only my unique piece will fill.

Today embrace your unique piece of the whole and gladly fill the space that only you can. It takes all of us to create the beautiful tapestry that is life. We are all equally important and the sooner you stop judging your gifts and comparing yourself to others, you will experience the fruits of love, joy, compassion, bliss, and happiness.

Val White is a certified Life Coach and certified Yoga and Meditation teacher. Val can be reached by email at valvilangu@gmail.com or by phone at (818) 641-6245.