Jess Lively

[originally posted on November, 3rd 2009]

Have you ever noticed that a title of a certain book reappears throughout your life in things you read and hear? This has happened to me with two books, The Alchemist (a great book) and A Return to Love. Right now I am deep within Marianne Williamson’s A Return to Love. There are many things I’d like to share, and today I’m going to start with a quote that ironically, I’ve had on my inspiration board for many years before reading (or knowing about) A Return to Love.

“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 doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make and 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 other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

-Marianne Williamson

As I have spent more time devoted to MakeunderMyLife, I have found that my light is best shared through inspiring people in two ways. Some find inspiration and encouragement in my jewelry business and self-employment. To many, my story about starting the jewelry business at 15 and going full-time after college graduation makes the self-employed road seem safer and more traveled. Though unexpected, I think this is a great way to be of service.

But at an even deeper level, I personally feel, deep down in my gut, that I am meant to help the millions of women who live just like me. The women who live in well-developed countries with education, purpose, and the desire to live a meaningful life. I believe I am here to help those women, with boundless potential for good, uncover their vision and vocation which may be laying dormant beneath a mountains of mental and physical clutter.

If I can help those women become who they are meant to be, they will deliver their own individual contributions. And those unique missions will help in millions of people all over the world in millions of different ways.

In summary, I’m not personally here to find renewable energy sources, save endangered animals, or build houses in third-world countries. I’m here to help those who are meant to do those things, find and follow their vocation.