"Be ruthless about protecting your light"

Protecting your inner light is all about safeguarding what makes you feel alive, creative, and joyful. Think of it as putting up a shield around the things that give you energy and happiness so that negativity and distractions can't get in the way. It's about being uncompromising when it comes to maintaining your well-being and mental health.

Historically, this idea isn't new. Philosophers and thinkers throughout time have emphasized the need to protect one's spirit and essence. For example, Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca talked about the importance of guarding your inner peace. They believed that a person could remain serene and focused regardless of external chaos by cultivating a strong inner self.

Let's consider a real-life scenario: Imagine you're working on a creative project—maybe you're writing a book or painting a series. This work lights you up; it's the first thing you think about when you wake up and what you daydream about during your lunch break. But then, life throws a wrench in the works. You find yourself surrounded by negativity—maybe from colleagues who don't understand your passion or from a flurry of unnecessary social obligations that drain your time and energy. If you're not careful, these influences can dim your light, making it harder to focus on what really inspires you.

How do you protect your light in such a situation? Be ruthless with your boundaries. Say "no" more often. If someone wants to vent about their problems for the umpteenth time, it's okay to gently decline and suggest another time. If your social calendar is packed with events that don't bring you joy, it's time to trim it down. Guard your schedule like a fortress. Set specific times for your creative work and treat these appointments with the same respect you would a meeting with your boss.

Think about it like this: Your inner light is like a plant that needs the right environment to grow. If you don't water it, give it sunlight, and protect it from pests, it won't thrive. So, you need to create the right conditions for your inner light to shine.

Let me tell you about my friend Jenny. She’s a graphic designer who’s passionate about her art. She used to take on every freelance project that came her way, even the ones she didn't care about. Over time, she found herself creatively drained and uninspired. One day, she decided enough was enough. She started being selective about the projects she took on, focusing only on those that excited her. She also made it a point to spend an hour each morning working on her personal art before diving into client work. This simple shift made a world of difference. Not only did she feel more energized and inspired, but her work improved, too.

So, next time you feel your light dimming, ask yourself: What can I let go of to protect my inner joy? Maybe it’s cutting down on social media, saying no to that extra project, or simply taking a walk in nature. Whatever it is, prioritize it. After all, when your light shines bright, everything around you looks a little bit brighter, too.