Shine

I recently started reading Melinda Gates’ new book “The Moment of Lift.” It shares the stories of women she has met around the world with the goal of lifting up women and girls.

I love the premise of the book and it comes at a timely moment for me as I consider new job opportunities, my role as a female in this world, and the world I want for my daughters.

Those are all very deep topics that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about lately.

But this morning, I was listening to a podcast with Melinda on my way to work. I am really loving podcasts during my commute. It could be because my home is filled with hip hop and rap at all hours courtesy of my teenagers, so music holds less appeal during my drive than it used to. I’ll still rock out on occasion, but lately, I’ve enjoyed the relative silence and opportunity to learn something new from a podcast.

So I was listening to Melinda talk about moments of lift and she was asked what word she chose as her mantra for 2019. Apparently she chooses a word each year to help guide her focus and intentions. I DO THIS TOO MELINDA!! Some years more specifically than others. Gratitude. Focus. Gift. More. These are just a few of the words I’ve chosen in year’s past.

But Melinda. She has a great word for 2019. Shine.

Why do I love this so much? I love the brilliance of embracing that each of us can, and should, shine. As she described, her definition of shine was not just for herself, but to create a platform of conversation that was inspiring and uplifting for all women. Secretly though, I feel like she must be being humble. After years of being in Bill’s shadow, she is probably really ready to shine in her own right. Shine on, Melinda. Shine on.

For me, the word also brought to mind one of my favorite songs from my very young childhood.

“This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.”

Originally I learned this song at church. It probably still has roots in southern churches, but I love the reminder that I should let whatever light I have shine. Too often, it is easy – and frankly routine – to step back, always put others first, speak politely and carefully, showcase humility at work least we be deemed not “likable” enough. All of these behaviors hide our light, our talents, our contributions, and essentially…..the very nature of who we are.

What if, instead, we let the encouragement to shine drive us? If I wanted to shine most brightly at work, what would I do? If I wanted to stretch for my dream goals and shine, what would that look like? If I wanted to bring that light to my family and friends each and every day, how would I shine? If I wanted to make sure my life shone as brightly as possible, what would I do each day?

Shine is a reminder of my childhood nickname, Sunshine. It takes me back to the days of ponytails, big smiles and being an eternal optimist.

To paraphrase an old quote, if we rise every day, we may as well shine.

So, shine it is my friends. 2019 (in May) is now about the year of Shine.