Note to Myself No. 8

So many of us grew up absorbing messages that said

don't shine

don't brag

deflect compliments or everyone will think

you're conceited

I know I did.

And it doesn't serve me well to hold those injunctions.

Shining is part of our purpose.

By shining, we increase the light in the world

and that's a good thing.

Bragging, according to the dictionary,

means to say something in a boastful manner.

I usually associate it with playground one-upsman-ship.

But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't claim credit

for our accomplishments

and our creations.

And as for deflecting compliments. . . 

well, that's an insult to the judgment

of the person giving the compliment.

If you haven't learned to receive compliments

with genuine enthusiasm,

at least remember to say "thank you"

and then bite your tongue.