The Book of Brilliance is meant to help us remember a quality of truth that embodies being alive and being human - an internal identity that exists innately within all of us. No matter who we are, what we look like, what we've done or haven't done, or who we've become, at our core, we're created unique and beautiful, with a preciousness that has no equal. We may or may not always remember this unique truth in our life, but it's always hidden within everyone.

Being human is not a race to the top of some hill of accomplishments. Life simply asks us to love what exists in one another; to recognize that, no matter what, all of us hold beautiful value through our creation. As an old friend of mine used to say, "No one above, no one below." Every one of us is precious and lovable, everyone makes a difference in this world, we ALL belong here.

So, as you move through this book, remember that being human is not a competition. Competition only lies in how we choose to live our lives. We all exist as unique creations with huge potentials of brilliance within. This is where we can teach ourselves, one another, and our children the lessons of embracing mankind with the understanding that we're all composed of the same human stuff. We all hold the innate potential of lovability and preciousness, and a belonging that's undeniable. It's alive in all of us... if we only look. And here, together, we can all do our work to make this a gentler place.

"You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."

-Madeleine L'Engle

We're born with a lightness; children from the beginning. And if we're not careful, we can get too serious about becoming adults. We might get so serious about ourselves that we forget about that inner spark that lit us up the moment we popped into the world.

I hope you can find that place where your precious spark becomes real to you again. And that you remember the grace and brilliance of being you without having to try.