Far too many of us walk around regurgitating what others have said, doing what others have done, that we forget about our own "you-nique-ness", as I've called it before. We want "blueprints" and insider help from a so-called "guru". We want the answers when we don't even always know the questions yet.

Yet, we see and understand truths we don't always articulate. We hear the voices in the heads of those around us not yet courageous enough to say what they're thinking. Sometimes we're one of them, and sometimes we speak up, step out, and shine a little - even if only for a moment.

But standing out (even briefly) can be scary or painful.

One woman I know said it was like a big target was on her back. To her, being visible meant people were poised to attack her the minute she began to shine.

I hope I'm not the only one here who relates to that idea.