You are unique. There is none like you. As we move through life we start out secure in who we are. As we grow older, how people react to us starts to form how freely we express that very personal individuality. Then, as we age, we come back to ourselves.
When you are a very young child you are free in this uniqueness. Adults even praise and give positive feedback to young children, when they express themselves in odd and quirky ways. When I watch my grandchild put on something silly and dance around the house, I am impressed by their freedom. They feel safe in their play. Then adolescence happens.
During adolescence we want nothing more than to “fit in” with our peers. We don’t mind being different from adults, but heaven forbid if we stand out form those around us. This is our first step in conforming. We want to dress like everyone else, listen to the same music, and even use the same terminology that the “cool kids” are using. Of course, there are always some free spirits who don’t mind being different and stand out like a daisy in the rose garden.
The next step happens as young adults. Suddenly we see the wisdom of our parents and other adults. We decide we want to be like those role model “grownups ” who made a difference for us. We work the jobs, decorate our homes, even drive the cars that are socially expected. We go on through life, not quite ourselves. Until that one day we take a risk.
We feel some kind of itch in the back of our consciousness. When we act on it and express our true nature, how others respond to us, will have a big impact on if we do it again or not. The more people age the more they feel comfortable expressing their unique nature. The poem, When I am Old, by Jenny Joseph, expresses this desire to be an individual. She talks about all she will do to “… make up for the sobriety of her youth”. How comfortable people feel moving towards their true and marvelous self, has all kinds of baggage tied to it. How people have responded in the past, what validation or lack of it did they receive as children, their self esteem or lack of, and how much they value fitting in; all play into how free they feel to be themselves.
I don’t mind expressing my uniqueness. Working a professional job, reading Tarot on the side, pursuing self improvement, playing hard, passionate about travel, practicing my individual spirituality and seeing the world just a little bit differently; are all aspects of who I am. These things are among a few of the flavors of me. As Doctor Seuss said, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Express this nature! Feel the tickle at the back of your mind that says it’s okay to pump your arms in the air when you’re excited, ride on the grocery cart in the parking lot, or paint pictures that no one but you loves. Feel safe to dress in the quirky outfits, listen to eclectic music, and explore interests that call to you, even if those around you do not “get it”.
I call to you! Feel safe in saying, “I am Uniquely Me!” Express yourself more freely each day. You may find that others are impressed by your example. You will likely find that you like yourself more than you ever realized was possible.
Thank you for reading my blog today. I love you! May you feel safe being uniquely you, as if by magic.
*Photo taken in Dubrovnik, Croatia
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