Monday Morning Motivation: Embracing Individuality

There are two things we are given in equal measure: the twenty-four hours we have in a day and the amount of individuality we all possess.

Regardless of our backgrounds, job titles, and circumstances:

We are the same amount of different and we have the same amount of hours to express it

On a daily basis we are fed competing images as to who we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to achieve. Consequently, it can become difficult to decipher what it’s truly like to be yourself. The desire to belong and be liked is deeply embedded in our human nature. All too often, we may find ourselves suppressing who we are in order to meet societal expectations or fit in with the majority.

Who would you be if you really let go?

Individuality can either be embraced or rejected. Every time we reject our individuality, we give up the possibility of reaching our true potential and our true purpose. Whether you believe it or not, there is something deeply special about you. There is something that you do, there is a way that you process, there is a passion that you have that is completely unique to you. Those who recognise and embrace their difference are the ones who typically make a difference.

Are you embracing who you are?

To embrace your individuality requires accepting who you are wholeheartedly, willingly, and enthusiastically. This indeed includes our strengths, but it also includes our weaknesses. Often, we fall into the trap of beating ourselves up over our imperfections. However embracing the fact that we are not perfect, allows for a clearer perspective on how to develop ourselves more effectively. It’s liberating to accept that in at least one area we will always fall short. This means growth is always necessary, strength is always needed, wisdom is always required and knowledge should always be pursued.

Comparisons with others are almost always null and void. Many times it can be the result of overvaluing another person, and undervaluing ourselves. We have to learn to be confident in our gifting and uniqueness.

We have to learn to be patient with our own process and not do ourselves an injustice by comparing it to a person whose process we didn’t see.

Embracing individuality is less about being the same person forever, but more about being comfortable with your own evolution. Chances are, you are not the same person you were a year ago. Different seasons bring out different qualities. Different experiences bring out different areas for growth. The important thing is that you celebrate who you are now, celebrate who you were then and celebrate who you’re about to be. You are valuable and you are unmatched by simply existing.

If you are ready to embrace your individuality, consider this:

• What are the things that make you unique? What do you like about yourself? What is fundamental to you? What are your values? Write them down to reflect upon days you are questioning your path or your purpose.
• You need to learn to love yourself and embrace yourself before you can effectively love, embrace and serve others.
• Embracing individuality requires courage. Be bold in the fact that there is no one like you. Recognise that you can always add something fresh and new to your environment.