Sometimes I read or listen to something a handful of times and I don’t feel anything.

Then in another moment, in the right headspace, with an open mind and open heart, I do.

And I get it.

Growing up, I would randomly hear Joni Mitchell classics on the radio. I never really thought much about it.

Then a few months ago, my wife and I took a weekend trip to a sparsely furnished cabin in the California redwoods. It had a small kitchen, a fireplace, a record player and a handful of records — one of which was a vinyl for Blue, one of Joni's best-known albums.

We wound up listening to that record all night while reading the lyrics cover-to-cover.

That night, I didn’t just hear the album, I felt it.

It was as if they were completely different songs, just because of my state of mind. Now, each of the songs has taken on a whole new meaning for me.

It happened again more recently. Mike shared this popular quote from author Marianne Williamson to our team chat group. It's a quote I had seen a handful of times before, but this time I slowed down and really let it sink in.

Here is that quote. I suggest you read it when you have the space to fully absorb it.

“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.”

Goosebumps.

It's your turn to shine.

Dave Radparvar
Co-Founder, Holstee

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