Four Empowering lessons from the Sunrise
Dear Friends,
I'm excited to reconnect with you through my updated bi-weekly “Thrive Letters,” where I share inspired guidance and nourishment to help you thrive as the leaders and changemakers our world desperately needs.
As I write to you, I'm traveling and reflecting on my recent weeks spent by the Mediterranean Sea. I've been painfully aware that I’m not too far from an ongoing war that is claiming more human lives every single day. Now more than ever, we need leaders who are safe spaces and have the capacity to facilitate healing and growth, and who can guide humanity to an elevated state of awareness and existence.
That’s where we come in, so let’s dive into today’s letter!
I've spent most mornings here soaking up the sunrise, and it has offered me four powerful insights that I want to share with you to fuel your journey:
Not everyone may immediately see or appreciate your light and brilliance, show up and be true to yourself anyway. When the sun is rising, most people are asleep and don’t even notice the amazing miracle and beauty of a sunrise. Yet, the sun still shows up fully every single day and it has a powerful impact — just like you as you lean into your authenticity and keep showing up.
Not everyone will be open to directly receiving your light, shine your light anyway. The sun’s radiance is too bright for some, yet there are those who eagerly soak up its warmth. Even those who block the sun with sunglasses and shade still benefit from its nourishing effects on the earth. The sun knows its purpose and it doesn’t adjust its light to make anyone comfortable, and neither should you.
There will be cloudy days, thunderstorms, and distractions that seek to block your light from reaching those that need you, keep yourself warm and shine anyway. The sun isn’t attached to others’ judgements and perceptions, so just like the sun, stay anchored in who you are and why you are here. Zoom out and trust that clouds and thunderstorms will pass. Your presence still matters, and your light will reach those who need it in perfect time. And those who are meant to be aware of you, even in the midst of stormy days, will be.
Prioritize filling yourself up with your own light and love before giving to others. The sun shines so bright because it is overflowing with energy and its warmth reaches us even though we are 93 million miles away. To sustain your brightness, you must prioritize taking care of yourself and pouring into yourself first. Fuel, nourish, and energize yourself and your light, love, and compassion will effortlessly flow out of you and have ripple effects beyond what you can imagine to be possible.
And remember, the same force that created the sun also created you—that is how valuable and powerful you are.
But unlike the sun, we weren’t created to orbit on our own. We are meant to be supported and to support others and I hope these letters continue to nourish you on your journey — please also share them with fellow leaders you care about and invite them to subscribe.
May you continue to shine and thrive!
With love and gratitude,
Maliheh