Dare to be You

Over five billion people now live on this planet and yet no two people have the same finger prints. We all have some basic similarities with the rest of humanity yet each of us is unique unto ourselves.

Each of us has his own individual expression to offer to the world. That expression can take many forms from artistic interests, the way they think, athletic activities, the particular way we dress, musical talents, different hobbies, etc.

We should never forget that each of us is blessed with our own the innate ability and potential to achieve “success” no matter how insignificant this might look in the eyes of our own/ others critical nature. It is true that not everybody is meant (or want) to be a Bill Gates, Michael Jordon or Oprah Winfrey. But, at the same time it is even truer that nature creates variations, this being our uniqueness, and as we build upon our individuality it allows our sense of self worth to thrive. There is unlimited potential within each of us, all we have to do is realize it!

We are energy, and energy is about change and development, so from the moment of birth (and perhaps before) our passion is to develop on every level. This energy to be who and what we are builds and blossoms as we journey through life.

We all have the ability and opportunity to act in ways that are uniquely ours, Ways that expand our horizons and enhance our lives and the lives of others. It's usually fear that stops us: fear of stepping outside the defined normal conduct of our group, of being thought "weird".

Our built-in desire to retain group identity, security, and safety puts pressure upon us to be normal and can at times can be pressingly and tiredly restraining. We can spend a lot of time, effort and money to buy the right clothes, drive the right car, etc., all so we can get the approval of as many people as possible. In this process we give away our power, the essence of who we are and that which makes us unique and unforgettable. When was the last time you pointed to someone and said, "Wow, that person is so normal – I'd like to be just like that!" Instead, consider the heroes you admire and respect, whether they be political, religious, athletic, or in some other walk of life. Nelson Mandela; Mother Theresa; Gandhi; Tiger Woods – to name a very few – are these people normal!?

Take a small step, even a baby step, outside your comfortable boundaries and explore the possibilities. Then think about how it felt, and how you plan to keep extending yourself. By doing the unfamiliar and the electrifying we surprise ourselves by being more of who we are!

An example of this happened to me. Some years ago, I had taken a huge leap of faith and I became a motivational speaker, trainer, and personal consultant. Part of my “business” plan was that I would do sessions with individuals and groups and someone else would take care of all the logistics and do all the paperwork. Well it ended up that I did it all! Why? Well, it quickly became apparent that it wasn’t cost effective to hire another person, and more importantly, I had the skills to do it. All I needed to do was to put these attributes into action. And, I learned my business inside out! My self confidence sky rocketed. Next thing I knew, I was doing other things I had say “NO WAY” to in the past. End result: I was open and ready to receive other ventures and opportunities that were on their way!

When you are working, work hard, when you are playing play hard, get enthusiastic and give whatever you are doing everything you have got while you are doing it, then when you move onto something else, move on with a clear conscience and give the new thing everything you've got. Not only will you get more into your life, you'll have more fun in the process!

In Japanese flower arranging it is common that one of the branches in the arrangement is bent or broken, to signify that the arranger has attempted to present the flowers in a "natural" state. It is the "imperfection" of the broken branch that leads us to understand that the arrangement is potentially "perfect." So, appreciation of those parts of us we may consider "broken branches" are in truth signs of our uniqueness and perfection.

When we move into accepting ourselves for who we really are, warts and all, we will be able to accept others for who they are; our relationships and ourselves will actually have a chance to grow into emotionally mature adults able to give freely out of choice and flourish in our new found freedom.

There is a world that awaits and always welcomes you – this world is non judgmental, doesn’t criticize, nor does it condemn; it is loving and impartial. Each of us must first find our own way to break free, to break out of what we have been told in the past and venture out on our own path; in our own uniqueness. This world will then open to you, and your life will truly and authentically unfold for you.

You are the treasure, a human miracle, rare and irreplaceable. Don't waste this precious commodity by going about your life in a halfhearted fashion. Frequently review your own list of unique qualities. They represent who you are. Let them guide you. Shakespeare hit the nail on the head when he wrote "This above all, to thine own self be true".