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Be yourself. Everybody else is taken.

I have been pondering how hard it has been to accept that I am anyone unique.  For some reason I forget, very easily, that we all experience life in so many different ways.  Maybe it makes life easier and takes some weight off of my shoulders if I tell myself that everyone has the same abilities and that anyone is capable of doing whatever it is I am thinking of attempting.

I have probably been scared that when I accept and believe in my own uniqueness, then I will have to make sure I put something special out into the world.  To embrace that would mean pulling back the security blanket that covers me with the words "just fit in" and that's NOT easy.  It has created predictability and keeps me from feeling exposed.  It offers the illusion that I am safe and comfortable.

But, really what has happened is a lot of tiptoeing about; gauging how much to give or reveal, deciding how to share and contribute, questioning how things would be received before speaking or doing.  I thought the blanket of fitting in would offer more comfort, but actually it feels like an old, scratchy, wool blanket that has a lot of questioning and judgment weaved into it.


This year, I have made a commitment to let my path unfold and this has led to a shift in thinking about how I want to present myself and what I believe is really true about me.  I have had to discover:  What inside of me has been waiting for it's turn to be heard?  What unique take do I bring to a situation or to life in general?  Why is it so hard for me to be recognized for something I do well or something that I believe in?

I have also taken some time to meet with people that I admire.  It has been an attempt to learn more from people that are doing things that look interesting and exciting to me.  I have wanted to get a little glimpse into their life.  And here's what has happened:  I am super inspired by these interactions AND I see first-hand that we are all just trying to figure it out!  We are on our own unique path and have our own way to look at things, but no one has all the pieces together!  Everyone is still growing, trying out new ideas, dreaming and seeking, and grace is there to help us with our mistakes & restarts along the way.

In order to admit my unique place in this world, I have to let go of the idea that whatever I present has to be perfect or all figured out right now.  I am unique in my stumbles and in my triumphs.  I know I won't let recognition go to my head; I will be gracious and I can also feel proud.  I want to play a part and make a difference and that only happens when I trust myself and listen to what is calling inside of ME.

Life is what you make it and I'm going to make the most of it, striving every day to be more of myself.


What is one thing that you do that honors your uniqueness?  
Give yourself a pat-on-the-back for being you!


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