There is a passage in the book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, inspired by Bronnie Ware’s metaphor, that incorporates the lesson of cleaning our own lightbulbs. When I first read this passage, it was so powerful that my emotions erupted into an ocean of tears as I realized the profound lesson behind it. It was the light that guided me to become who I am today. This is why I want to share it with you now, hoping that it will help you reconnect with your true selves.
“As a newborn baby arrives in this world, it is like a pristine lightbulb. The light it emits is pure, bright, and untainted. This light is the essence of who we truly are, full of potential and infinite possibilities. Over time, as we journey through life, we encounter various experiences, challenges, and societal expectations. Gradually, layers of dust begin to accumulate on the bulb, dimming the light within. The light does not lose its brilliance; rather, it becomes obscured by these layers.
In the busyness of life, we often forget to tend to our inner light. We allow the dust of disappointments, fears, and regrets to gather, dimming our true essence. However, it is never too late to start cleaning our lightbulb. By consciously shedding these layers—letting go of what no longer serves us, embracing forgiveness, and reconnecting with our true selves—we can begin to reveal the pure, bright light once again.
Cleaning our own lightbulb is a continuous process of self-discovery and renewal. It requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to be vulnerable. But as we clear away the dust, we rediscover the radiant, authentic self that has always been there, waiting to shine through.
Embrace the journey of cleaning your lightbulb. Let go of the layers that dim your light, and allow your true essence to shine brightly once more. In doing so, you not only illuminate your own path but also inspire and light the way for others.”