Are we each experiencing that freedom, or are we trying to fit what others expect us to be? Do we appreciate our unique gifts and place within the fabric of society, or are we constantly working to remake ourselves into the perfect image of whom we think we should be?
As children, most of us usually desire to conform with our fellow classmates; we don’t want to stand out as being different or out-of-step. When I was 10 years old, I got my first pair of glasses and I hated them! The only other child in my class who wore glasses was this boy who everyone thought was weird because all he wanted to do was talk about dinosaurs. Terribly self-conscious, I only wore my glasses when absolutely necessary. Can you relate?
I also vividly remember a girl from high school that made me uneasy. In an era when all the girls looked pretty much alike, she stood out. She was a beautiful girl but she: wore no makeup nor did anything to style her hair, dressed in odd clothes combinations, spent all her free time in the art room, and while friendly when spoken to, generally kept to herself. I couldn’t understand why she didn’t want to fit in with the rest of us or be a part of the crowd, but I also secretly admired her and was envious of her independent, individualistic nature.
We know how cruel kids can be to others who don’t fit the mold or stand out in any way that doesn’t conform to the norm. It can lead to a child being ostracized and/or bullied (please read my blog on bullying: http://www.oneinfinitelight.com/no-bullyingmdashtake-a-stand). Getting through school with one’s self-worth intact can be a challenge. Add to that pressure from parents to live up to their expectations. But there comes a point when fighting who we are designed to be engenders so much frustration, pain, and unhappiness that we urgently need to establish true authenticity in our lives.
To find genuine satisfaction and contentment in life, we must claim the birthright of our individuality in the full understanding that we are each a perfect expression of all facets of God’s being. The Bible assures us, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31 to 1st .) “Every thing, . . .very good,”—that’s each one of us, as we are, without reservation!
Let’s remember, life is not a popularity contest—not everyone will like us, nor will they understand the choices we make in life, but that’s O.K. There are others who will be drawn to our light, to the self-assuredness and confidence we exude when we are following the proper path to propel our journey onward, and when we are clearly at peace with who we are.
To experience all the fullness of a truly joyous life, we must move forward with grace, equanimity, humility, and consideration for others as we confidently:
As children, most of us usually desire to conform with our fellow classmates; we don’t want to stand out as being different or out-of-step. When I was 10 years old, I got my first pair of glasses and I hated them! The only other child in my class who wore glasses was this boy who everyone thought was weird because all he wanted to do was talk about dinosaurs. Terribly self-conscious, I only wore my glasses when absolutely necessary. Can you relate?
I also vividly remember a girl from high school that made me uneasy. In an era when all the girls looked pretty much alike, she stood out. She was a beautiful girl but she: wore no makeup nor did anything to style her hair, dressed in odd clothes combinations, spent all her free time in the art room, and while friendly when spoken to, generally kept to herself. I couldn’t understand why she didn’t want to fit in with the rest of us or be a part of the crowd, but I also secretly admired her and was envious of her independent, individualistic nature.
We know how cruel kids can be to others who don’t fit the mold or stand out in any way that doesn’t conform to the norm. It can lead to a child being ostracized and/or bullied (please read my blog on bullying: http://www.oneinfinitelight.com/no-bullyingmdashtake-a-stand). Getting through school with one’s self-worth intact can be a challenge. Add to that pressure from parents to live up to their expectations. But there comes a point when fighting who we are designed to be engenders so much frustration, pain, and unhappiness that we urgently need to establish true authenticity in our lives.
To find genuine satisfaction and contentment in life, we must claim the birthright of our individuality in the full understanding that we are each a perfect expression of all facets of God’s being. The Bible assures us, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31 to 1st .) “Every thing, . . .very good,”—that’s each one of us, as we are, without reservation!
Let’s remember, life is not a popularity contest—not everyone will like us, nor will they understand the choices we make in life, but that’s O.K. There are others who will be drawn to our light, to the self-assuredness and confidence we exude when we are following the proper path to propel our journey onward, and when we are clearly at peace with who we are.
To experience all the fullness of a truly joyous life, we must move forward with grace, equanimity, humility, and consideration for others as we confidently:
- accept our uniqueness
- affirm our individuality
- fulfill our present purpose
- expand our particular talents and abilities
- share our beliefs and opinions
- express our true feelings
- participate in those activities that bring us happiness
- say, “No,” when it is in our best interest
- choose the life we were meant to lead and the people we were designed to love
