The same can be said for focusing ONLY on negativity and suffering in the world. That, in itself, does not relieve poverty or suffering. It's like wishing you were taller or your eyes were a different color, naturally...can't happen. Focusing on the problems doesn't uplift yourself or others out of misery. It only perpetuates more negativity and suffering; it only builds it more. It keeps one out of the light and love. It keeps you from a huge part of life. The world would be better served by bringing IN and spreading around solutions, light, love, and joy.

Those who cannot laugh, especially at themselves, or who cannot find the beauty all around them aren't fully living and aware, and therefore are helpless and useless to others. Would you rather be helped through a hard time by someone who is miserable with you and complains and cries, and sees no hope? Or, by someone who hugs you, loves you, reminds you of what you do have, of what you can do with your life, and can bring a smile to your lips?

If you prefer the former, then fear, depression and victimhood is your boss. And people who appear to find great pleasure in putting down people who are joyful, see beauty, do help others in their own way, are the saddest people I've seen on this planet. They are completely out of touch with their soul, with life. They cannot fathom anyone being happy, because they're not happy. They judge anyone who does see beauty and joy as just not "getting" something, doesn't care, when it's completely the opposite that is the truth. It's a matter of choices and attitudes. One energy harms, the other heals. Just as the late poet, Anne Sexton said, "Live or die, but don't poison everything."

So take Williamson's words to heart and into practice. Only you can decide to live up to your full potential. You serve no one by being small or miserable. Let your own light shine, and you help everyone.