Hand on Heart Sunday 🌞

Quit Stalling and Shine Already!

Have you noticed that the sun does not sit and wait for prayers and incantations to be coaxed into the dawn?
She just immediately rises and shines and her goodness is welcomed by all.
As with the sun, my friend, do not wait for the clapping of hands, and shouts and praise to be induced to do good.
— Epictetus

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What I know: the sun doesn’t sit around waiting for a standing ovation before it hauls itself over the mountains east of here. She doesn’t look in the mirror and ask, Will anyone notice me today? She most certainly does not need my prayers, chants, or my applause and adoration.. She rises. She illuminates even when obscured by clouds. The obstacle is her way.

Meanwhile, looking over my shoulder, I assess and think on how often I have held back. Waiting for someone to notice. To give credit or to validate my worth. How much brilliance did I shine from under a bushel because I was scared no one would applaud?

Enough. Seriously—enough.

Our world is already drowning in hesitation, self-doubt, and someday I’ll do it. I don’t think we need more of that, do you? Waiting for the all clear sign that it’s safe to speak. What we need—what this moment is begging for—is people who rise and shine without waiting for permission.

So here’s your Hand on Heart Sunday throwing down of the gauntlet:

• The only validation necessary is your own.
  • Learn and abide with being enough.
• Progress is better than perfection. 
  • What joy there is in noticing forward motion.
  • And the peace of acceptance in resting.
• Ready is a decision, not a feeling.
  • Write down the task.
  • Create a little check box.
  • Be good with the results.

Ready is Right Now.

Do good because it’s who you are, not because anyone’s handing out gold stars. Light up your corner of the world whether or not anyone notices. Trust me—they’ll feel it.

Hand on heart: you’ve been playing small long enough. The sun doesn’t apologize for showing up. Neither do you.

☀️ So Rise n Shine. Be your own hero. Do your own good. And if nobody claps? Tune in to your own approval.