Did you know some of my closest friends call me “Selfie Roberts?” I really love the nickname I see it as loving and endearing but I never really figured out why, especially since the term “selfie” in society is often attached to the idea of an oversized ego. A dear friend of mine who recently became single wrote not too long ago “I never knew that a byproduct of being single is a phone full of selfies and landscapes?” Lately I can really relate to that idea. These thoughts led me down the path of my intention when I post pics of myself, whether in yoga, with my son, being “Mandy” (ie, ridiculous and goofy) or having a great time with friends. While I don’t know a lot about life, I have learned all too well that life is too short. That we must cherish each moment life gifts us with. I have learned to celebrate life and love and to SHARE it (likers gonna like). I have learned that if you want to take a pic of yourself eating a banana upside down in a tree then do it! (Note: put taking a pic eating a banana upside down in a tree on my selfie list). This leads me to one of my favorite quotes of all time and the quote I often allude to after every class I teach.
“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, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won?t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make 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, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”
As I give myself permission to shine, to mess up, to land a bad-ass pose (or not land that bad-ass pose), I give you that permission as well.
Thank you to my tribe for my selfie-stick on my birthday, I love you. And get ready selfie friends, we are gonna have fun with this!