By Ayeshah Bulls

Light is a word, depending on the context in which it is being used, which can have many meanings.  Light can be a verb, noun or adjective.  For the sake of this article we will explore what light can mean in our lives and the lives of those around us.

There is a simple quote that I have grown to appreciate due to its simplicity and depth, “Travel Light, Live Light, Spread the Light, Be the Light.”  This quote encompasses each form of the word, yet each one encourages us to examine ourselves and our relationship to this word.

Travel Light:  What baggage are you carrying in your soul, your mind or your being that is slowing you down and preventing you from reaching your purpose?  We often carry emotions, relationships or negative thoughts that bog us down and anchor us in spaces that stunt our growth.  Unpack the things you don’t need and travel light.

Live Light:  Do you feel overwhelmed or burdened?  Explore and search those things in your life that hinder you from feeling free or safe in being who you are.  Once you examine these things, if they are not contributing to your growth and development, gradually release them.  Release yourself and live light.

Spread the Light:  Are you holding your love, creativity, ideas, passion, drive and ambitions inside?  Relinquish them.  These wonderful things were placed in you for a purpose in order for you to contribute to the world around you.  Let go of fear and share your gifts.  Spread the light.

Be the Light:  This is my favorite part of the quote, yet at times the most difficult to fulfill.  Are you often in environments where there seems to be so much negativity?  Whether it is conversations, behaviors, attitudes or energy?  At times some spaces seem to be consumed with darkness.  This is the time to be courageous enough to counteract the negative dialogues with a positive thought or alternative perspective, reflect positive behaviors and attitudes, and exude positive energy.  You are the change you want to see.  Be the Light.

Light illuminates and radiates the truth.  The truth doesn’t always feel good.  However, it gives guidance on the direction we need to go and what we need to address.  In this New Year, consider where you fall in relation to light.  Make the necessary changes in your life and contribute to shedding the light in a sometimes dark world.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let it Shine” – Avis Burgeson Christiansen