Sunday Newscape Magazine

Cherish forever what makes you unique, ‘cuz you’re really a yawn if it goes. Bette Midler

When we were little we longed to fit in and become one of the group. We mimicked our friends in language, look, and interests. Belonging was our most necessary thing! It was horrible being different. To be different often meant being shunned and ridiculed - social death to a child.

But, over time, you may have come to realize that your differences are your treasures. They are what make you uniquely you. They are what people are attracted to - what they admire about you. All great people have taken their most unique qualities and turned them into a gift for the world.

Are you still wishing that you weren’t so tall, or so shy, or so whatever? Do you spend time and energy and money trying to fix what you consider to be an limiting peculiarity that sets you apart from others? Do you see it as a defect?

What if that quality that separates you from the rest of the world is the exact reason you came into this life - to provide what we do not have? To make us all more complete.

Instead of wishing it away, how can this difference be a gift to others? I have a friend who spent most of her childhood trying not be who she was. All the "in" group were athletic and outgoing, while she was scrawny and introspective. She was drawn to these fun-loving classmates, but was also uncomfortable being around them. She felt like she didn’t fit in and, truthfully, she was often ridiculed or dismissed by those she so admired.

Her sensitivity to what it was like to be different gave her deep insights into life on the outside. As she grappled with her own self-esteem issues, others who were struggling with their own self-worth were drawn to her. She knew exactly what they were feeling and was able to help them find the gold in their own personalities.

She eventually became a professional counselor helping others accept and learn to love the very distinctiveness they once hated. Had she not found value in her own shyness and sensitivities to human suffering, she would not be the gift she is now to all those she helps. What she once thought was her weakness was actually her greatest strength.

Love all the strange and unusual aspects to yourself. You are unique in all the world. This is a good thing! It matters not that others don’t understand you. Wear your oddness like a badge of honor. You are you - no one else. Love every bit of you and stop trying to blend in. Whoever you’re trying to be like, give it up. They’ve already mastered that. It’s been done. Hold your uniqueness in your hands and breathe life into it. Be thankful for this distinction. It’s you!

(c) Karen Wright all rights reserved - http://www.wrightminded.com - Catch Karen’s latest podcast at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Hearts-on-Fire