In the midst of all that makes us like everyone else, we have that special something - those special somethings - that make us unique, different, distinguishable from another.
Embracing those traits as core parts of our identity means self-acceptance, self-love, and ultimately, willingness to honour our unique gifts and share them with the world. After all, this is what we were granted life for.
In embracing our differences, we separate a little, or we feel like we do. But it isn't how the story ends.
As the story goes, this step into our own shoes makes us a participant in life, a contender. It is the basis for true intimacy: 'I have something to offer'. As long as we don't confuse ourselves into believing we are better or worse than others for our specificities, all will be well.
Meanwhile, this bravery may ruffle feathers, but... What others think of us is none of our business.
The infinite abundance and diversity of the creation leaves each of us with special bits we are tasked to uncover and share with the world.
The sharing may tempt us to try and dominate, but that would only disrespect the specialness in all creatures, so it serves us better to get to the purest form of what we have, and in doing so, to lead the way, give permission to others to embrace their own specialness.
Then we can finally surrender to the surprise and ungraspable ways of life.
In the quest for identity, a first step is to dissociate from the influence of others, including giving up entirely the intention to influence their response, thoughts and feelings.
We find our place in the world by letting others see us the way they do. Bargaining or advocating will never resolve in our wholeness.
We become ourselves by acting our part, not expecting others to validate our claim to that part. In being whole in our position and self-definition. We let the rest unfold and keep walking in our own shoes.
Our guides and teachers are hidden in the crowd. They are undistinguishable from any other person until we walk our own path.
When we engage in our quest, however clumsily, however misguidedly, we stumble across those who know better.
We don’t need to already know to start walking, we do need to start walking to find out. Then we see our path has been trudged before, and there is direction we can use for our own purpose.
Our power is given to us in the form of gifts, talents, inspiration. What makes us unique & different is an opportunity, it is what we have to offer the world, our contribution to the creation.
When we honour our gifts, we step into our power, claim what is our own.
This comes at the price, that of distinguishing ourselves, seeing others as different, choosing a path that our companions may not take, offloading the baggage and coats of arms that do not belong to our unique journey.
In the movement towards ourselves, embracing what makes us us, in our differences, values and choices, there is a moment when we leap, let go of the sure and the known, disengage the anchor and start floating, alone, with no shore in sight.
This is the condition under which we find our people, the ones with whom the true us is valuable and relevant, that will allow us to grow authentically.
The 'Just' in 'Just Be' or 'Just Be Yourself' or 'Just Do It' or 'Just Trust the Process' is a dreadful and hypocritical injunction.
There is nothing easy about being 'just true'. The exposure, courage, leadership, self-acceptance and faith involved take all we have, because what we give is all we are.
And yet, doing so is not only freeing, it the recipe for infinite strength, authentic connection, clear direction; It is the most inspired and the most inspiring thing we can do.
Going it alone, or our way, means having no anchor, no grip strong enough to keep us where in place, no momentum steady enough to keep us steering.
Through the current, we get swayed, whirled, maybe knocked a little, but on the other side of the swallowing is floating, being carried and held by the flow.
Opposing
Opposition
Estrangement