How to be an Illuminator?

Shining light on other people’s good qualities can be one of the most noble pursuits. We all yearn for connection, to be understood, and to be seen for the depths of who we are.

It is a skill to make people feel seen, deeply seen. It is also what makes great leaders and mentors good. The way of seeing potential in people makes them believe they can do more. This belief is transformative and powerful.

Attention is a moral act, the kind of attention we give to the world is reflected in us and determines the kind of person we are.

Funnily enough, you exist in other people’s attention as they do in yours. As we say, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder; it stands true for other qualities like humor, confidence, kindness, etc. You recognize these qualities because they exist within you first. I digress.

So, how to be an illuminator?

I had to learn to make friends early on. Changes in schools and being in new places solo traveling necessitated creating these encounters to create new connections.

Each person you meet is not a problem to be solved, they are a mystery we will never get to the bottom of.

Get curious, ask quality questions, don't be a topper, listen with intent, eye contact, develop social range, and keep shining the light on humans. Being an illuminator might be the best thing you can gift others.