Fan the Fame Of Your Inner Light

Lately, a quiet understanding has settled in. Life, in its relentless march forward, has begun to pull my closest friends away, the miles stretching between us, the demands of work creating impenetrable walls, and a host of unspoken realities that only distance can truly carve out. There were moments, just yesterday even, when a frustrated whisper escaped my own thoughts: am I now surrounded by selfishness? A harsh judgment, perhaps born from a longing for the effortless connections of the past.

And then, life offered a gentle nudge. The silent genius, Lati, called. What unfolded was an hour that dissolved into what felt like mere minutes the comfortable rhythm of a friendship that transcends physical space. The echo of that connection lingered until Friday, when another dear friend, now navigating the beautiful chaos of married life, and I found ourselves lost in a two-hour conversation. I playfully teased her about the time, but beneath the banter was a profound gratitude. Gratitude for the conscious choice to linger, to sacrifice the precious minutes of her day. It took me back to those vibrant nights of our younger years, the 2009-2013 era where an MTN SIM and "extracool" could turn late nights into marathon calls stretching from midnight deep into the early hours. Good times, indeed.

These recent moments, these lifelines of connection in a sea of distance, have made me realize something profound. Perhaps the "fame within" that we talked about last time isn't just about our individual brilliance or aspirations. Maybe it also shines through the way we connect with others, the value we place on those relationships, and the recognition that even amidst life's separations, those genuine connections illuminate our own worth. In a world that often feels isolating, tending to those bonds, and acknowledging the light that others bring to our lives, is also a vital part of nurturing the "fame within" us. Because here's the raw truth: we all have a "fame within" a unique brilliance, a fiery core of talent and purpose that the world desperately needs. But are you letting it flicker and fade in the shadows of your self-doubt? Are you so busy illuminating the paths of others that your own light is dimming?

Think about it. That nagging idea you push aside. That fear of judgment that keeps your voice silent. That yearning for something more that you label as selfish. What if those aren't obstacles? What if they are the very cries of your inner "fame" begging to be unleashed?

I used to believe selflessness meant sacrificing my own aspirations. But I was wrong. Terribly wrong. It was a gilded cage built of good intentions, and the key to unlocking it was finally daring to acknowledge the power that resides within me. Isn't it time you did the same?

Here are some soul-searching questions to wrestle with:

• What sets your soul on fire? What makes you lose track of time and feel truly alive? That's the whisper of your inner "fame." Are you listening?

• What are you afraid of losing by stepping into your own light? Is it comfort? Approval? Or is it perhaps the quiet anonymity that allows you to avoid the spotlight?

• If you knew you couldn't fail, what audacious dream would you chase? That dream isn't just a fantasy; it's a glimpse of the powerful force within you waiting to be unleashed.

I'm no longer content to just cheerlead from the sidelines of my own life. I'm taking shaky steps into the arena, fueled by the belief that my purpose extends beyond serving others, it includes honoring the gifts I've been given. And you? What brave step will you take to fan the flames of your own inner fire this week?

Don't let your brilliance remain hidden. The world needs your unique "fame." It needs you to shine.

What's one thing you're ready to bravely acknowledge about your own inner fire? Hit reply and let's ignite our potential together.

With love,

Olajide