Unforgettable You

Let’s all make this New Year undeniably different! An unforgettable year! Unforgettable you! As you know, I am not one to take on New Year’s resolutions; however, the New Year is a nice place to begin taking a look at how you can be different in the coming months.

Where do you begin? First of all, it’s important to remember that we are not all alike. We think differently, we process things differently, we look different. As a result, this equates to a uniqueness in each of us. This is not a bad thing. Too many of us have been fed the notion that one has to do what the popular opinion is; to conform, to fit; that standing out makes us pushy or arrogant. Yet, if we were to look back in time, the people who changed human progress and development were often controversial; they didn’t have time to worry if they were well liked or “appropriately” adapting. What made each of them successful was that they understood Dr. Seuss’ quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind”.

Most of us are afraid to be different. We’d rather live our life like water-downed lemonade. But when we aren’t true to ourselves, we are diluting our power to make a difference for ourselves and others. Not all of us have to stand out in such a way that we win a Nobel Peace Prize or get written up in some famous magazine. No, staying true to ourselves can be influential to the smallest person in your life. Perhaps you are a good listener. Or are you able to see the humor in all situations. Is patience your strong point? Do you have unequaled energy? Leadership guidance?  Be objective about yourself or ask others what they like best about you. Then make a mental list called, “My unique Qualities” and store them away for days when you catch yourself falling into the idea that you need the approval of others. Those distinct qualities represent who YOU are. Once YOU recognize WHO YOU are, you become like a tart, yet sweet glass of lemonade on a hot sticky day: Refreshing.

Think about times you have been with family or friends. Weren’t the most fascinating interesting conversations those where everyone did not think alike? It’s important to remember that the thoughts and opinions of others should be valued. Not all of us may agree, but it is thought-provoking and stimulating to listen to what others think. Once you are able to accept the fact that not everyone agrees with you or you with them, you can listen objectively to ideas. Perhaps they will be the very ones that spark a difference in your own life.

Remember, there’s no “right” way to live. What brings one joy is a curse for another. And as we go through Life, our joys are often shifting, changing. Don’t be afraid of this. The important thing to be aware of is what gives YOU joy. What makes YOU comfortable with who YOU are? What gives YOU the confidence to be different? There are different ways to live; different ways to pursue our goals. And when you need a little reminder and encouragement to be different, read Robert Frost’s poem:

               The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves, no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Go ahead… make 2020 the year you walk a different path by being yourself with no excuses.

~ Carpe Diem!