We are each responsible for our own life – no other person is or even can be.
~ Oprah Winfrey

Seems like a no-brainer,

but easier understood than lived.

Often we navigate our lives based on the obstacles or openings others put in front of us; in reaction to.

But what if we created a whole new point of origin?

If our bright spark of an idea lit off a streak of light that started with us and branched out into a candelabra of possibilities?

You [YOU] are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

                                                                                                             Matthew 5:14-16

Here’s to all of us who claim our light. Who don’t wait for others to light it. Who open the gates of our cities, our hearts, for commerce, for community. Who bravely hang our lamps for all to see, for all to benefit from their light. Who give glory to God through claiming and utilizing our gifts.

Here’s to all of us who found businesses because we see a need and push our knowledge and creativity to fill it. Here’s to those who reach out of our comfort zone to bend the parameters of our career, broaden it. Here’s to the ones who leave the comfort of a steady paycheck with benefits to become our own bosses. Here’s to any and all of us willing to take a chance on our dreams.

Here’s to all of us claiming responsibility for our lives.