Light

Last week at an event, an aura reader was set up to engage with guests.

I made a beeline to her table as I have always wanted to receive one.

Seated behind the camera, my mind went into overdrive in the seconds before the flash.

"Oh god, what if my aura is dark? Colorless? Lackluster?"

My excitement turned quickly into dread as I sat waiting for my picture to become visible.

Her first glance at the Polaroid brought a huge smile to her face.

Vivid colors shone brightly around my form.

Yellow merged with red.

Red chased orange.

Purple + blue orbs haloed my head.

Joy gazed back at me.

Why do we question our brilliance, our worth, our impact?

As leaders, we often push so hard for progress, forgetting to pause and reflect on the energy we carry—the light we give to others, even when we don't recognize it ourselves.

That light is always there, whether through a kind word, leading with core values, or the way we listen.

Now, that aura photo sits on my desk, a constant reminder of my truth—my light, always present, even when I forget to notice it.

So today, I invite you to pause. Look at your reflection, your presence, your energy. What if you saw yourself the way others see you?