Everyone is unique. I’m unique. You’re unique. Do you truly believe that? Have you thought about what makes you unique? So great if you have. However, when you’ve thought about it, are you proud of your uniqueness? Do you embrace what makes you unique or have you tried to hide it, change it or minimize it?
I want you to embrace your uniqueness, be proud of it, and highlight it.
It may have started off “consciously” following what others are doing, but over time it can become a habit, our normal way of doing things – and hiding our uniqueness becomes an “unconscious” thing we do.
As children, it can happen when we are in school. We want to fit in. We want to belong. We want to be liked. We don’t want to stick out. It can affect the way we talk, dress, the friends we choose, the decisions we make, etc.
As we become adults, this can look like following a path that everyone around us is following versus a path that we “consciously” choose. Did you unconsciously follow a path you saw everyone else taking?
The path that I followed and many women I’ve spoken with was – to graduate from college, have a successful career, get married, buy a house, have kids, and live happily ever after.
Being unique is not a bad thing. It is not something to hide from or be ashamed of. It is what makes life interesting and fun. If you only surround yourself with people that are all the same, life would be boring.
Are you aware of what makes you unique? I encourage you to think about this question. Is it easy or difficult to answer? If it feels difficult, ask someone you trust. Many times others can see our uniqueness more clearly than we can.
If you realize that you’ve been unconsciously hiding from your uniqueness it may take some time to embrace it. It’s okay. Be gentle with yourself as things shift.
When you embrace your uniqueness, you are standing more in your power, you are being more of your authentic self. Which takes less effort, than trying to be like everyone else.
One thing I’ve observed is that relationships will shift as you step into who you are. You may lose some relationships, gain new ones and some may shift into new, stronger, long-lasting connections.
It is up to you. You decide. Do you want to embrace your uniqueness or do you want to hide or minimize it? Remember the people around you will follow your lead.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson