I came across a beautiful poem today with the same title by a remarkable woman.

Najwa Zebian is a Lebanese Canadian author, poet, speaker and educator.

Her poetry reflects her experiences, and speaks to the wounded soul of so many of us.

I want to share this particular poem with you because when you discover words that speak to you as if they were your own you need to capture them and hold on to them.

For them to see you shine, you must stay far way,

For you are like the sun.

When you’re too close, your light makes them blind.

And when you’re too far, they seek you.

So let them seek you.

They’re getting your light regardless,

but appreciating your presence is different from recognizing your existence.

If they don’t appreciate your presence, they may never even recognize your absence

Most of my life I have always stood too close.

I wasn’t aware of my light. In fact, I always thought my light is dim, and therefore I had to make sure I am seen.

I did more than what was called for.

I took over responsibilities that were not mine in the first place.

I managed, I controlled, I held it together.

I gave myself up in the process.

I lost myself, trying to be seen.

But my already strong light now was even stronger and it blinded people.

And blind people don’t know where to go. They don’t know their way.

And they surely didn’t see me – even though that was all I wanted.

After you do everything you can possibly think of, and you are still not noticed, you give up.

Emptiness took hold of me, and darkness set in over me.

I retreated.

Then, suddenly, I was called for, missed, and sought after.

My light returned, and there was hope.

Maybe it takes time to be seen.

Maybe I was the blind one.

Maybe I missed something.

And instead of a small step, I took a huge one.

Too close again.

Blinding again with my bright, beautiful light that wasn’t seen by anyone.

Until I slowly began to recognize my light.

And I stayed in my light. I enjoyed it, savored it, didn’t care if others saw it.

I found my presence and to make sure I don’t lose it, I left.

Sometimes – absence is the only way out.

That way you are not tempted to step in to close time and time again.

Make sure your presence is appreciated, with enough room for your light to shine bright.

Much Love

Janine