THERE’S A THOUSAND YOUS, THERE’S ONLY ONE OF ME
Or whatever it was that Kanye said.
Understanding the importance of individuality. Mel Robbins says the likelihood of you being you is one in… This reminds me of the scripture in the Bible which speaks to our Creator's meticulous design, knowing each and every one of us from conception in our mother’s womb, down to the number of hairs on our heads. Much like how He knows the name of every star in the sky. Science and religion agree on this fundamental truth: we are all unique and differently created. Our very DNA is what makes us individually who we are. Even identical twins, sharing the same womb, develop into distinct individuals with different personalities and thought processes.
Although we all have this distinction between us, we live in a world that promotes conformity. Although we are all different, there is a tendency to be the same; acting, looking, dressing and even thinking alike. Don’t choose to be one of many! Embrace your uniqueness, no matter what. Because the truth is that each of us possesses unique and valuable qualities to offer the world.
While inspiration from others is beneficial, there are aspects within us that are rarely replicated, setting us apart at our core. These traits cannot be taken from you because they are you and cannot be diminished. Here’s a few things that set us apart.
YOUR EXPERIENCES..YOUR STORY
The experiences you’ve had in this life is specifically curated for your personal growth, ultimately shaping you into the person you are today. Such experiences are uniquely personal and cannot be taken from you. No one has been exactly what you have been through. No one has walked a mile in your shoes! Though as people we can experience similar trials, the way we respond to those trials can be totally different.
At times, we can experience shame for past events that happened to us, that if given the opportunity, we would change and rewrite our history. However, each experience offers a valuable lesson providing opportunities to gain wisdom and knowledge. Difficult times can guide and direct us toward the right direction, if we let it. Your experiences are a part of what makes you, use that to your advantage because it is your story to tell and no one else’s.
YOUR CHOICE IN MUSIC
When I was younger, I used to be embarrassed by some of the music I genuinely liked. It wasn't socially acceptable to like certain genres, especially where I grew up. For example, I loved rock music. What do I look like embracing rock when everyone else loved hip-hop? As I got older, I realized how silly that was. Why does the music I play in my headphones affect you? They're my ears. So why should I care if someone accepts the music I listen to? I started embracing the music I love, regardless of other people's opinions. I embrace that I have an ear for diversity. I embraced what different sounds of music invoke in me. In a society that's dead set on being popular, don't give up that part of yourself that is truly you. Don't pretend to like a song because it's going viral or because all your friends love it. Don't pretend to dislike a song just because it's not within the constructs of the norm. Music plays a big role in your personality, whether you realize it or not. Your personal taste in music is something that someone else can't take from you. They can try to pretend to like the music you do, but at the end of the day, if they really don't, they are only torturing themselves, and that's hilarious.
YOUR STYLE
Your style is a form of self-expression, a creative outlet. There's a difference in feeling when you wear your clothes and don't let them wear you. That means you exude a different level of confidence when you're feeling amazing in the outfit you choose. This is what someone cannot take from you: your ability to express yourself through your clothes.
Sure, someone can buy the same items and style them the same way, but both will be speaking a different language. An example of this is Zendaya and her 2025 Met Gala outfits. Both wore very similar clothing, even to the point of discussion, "Who wore it better?" Personally, to me, I thought they looked amazing.
This could be the way you wear your hair, do your makeup, get tattoos and piercings, nail art...accessories...whatever! You get the point. It's not about what's trending. It's about what genuinely makes you happy when you get dressed and walk out of the house. As long as you feel comfortable, confident, and, most importantly, like YOU then that’s what matters. It took me a while to get this: the importance of the way you dress and how you feel. There's a big correlation in "if you feel good, you look good, and if you look good, you feel good." I get it now.
YOUR IMPERFECTIONS
You know those features that you dislike so much? Guess what? Those are what define you. They are often the aspects that people notice when they think of you. You’ll be surprised how the slightest adjustments can significantly alter your appearance. Let me show you some examples.
Everyone is looking to improve themselves to the point that they no longer resemble their parents but instead, appear as though they are clones. We cannot see how others perceive us. All we see are the imperfections and how we can improve them. Yet, to the world, these imperfections are what make us uniquely beautiful. The pursuit of perfection can often lead us down a path of self-doubt, as we fixate on what we perceive as flaws. However, it's crucial to remember that these very "imperfections" are the unique brushstrokes that paint the masterpiece of our individuality. They are the very elements that make us recognizable, relatable, and ultimately, remarkable. They are the very things that cause us to stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on those around us. Embracing these so-called flaws is not just about self-acceptance; it's about celebrating the authentic and beautiful complexity of who we are.
YOUR HOBBIES
The things you love to do in your downtime are telling. When you genuinely have hobbies you love to do, it’s usually to fulfill a need. For me, I found a hobby in aerial hoop; it's something I love to do. Someone else can try to pretend they enjoy this hobby, but again, if they don’t have a genuine reason to like it, they are only lying and torturing themselves. Be your own person. Love what you love and love what you do. Life is too short to be pretending to be someone you're not, doing things you do not enjoy for the sake of pleasing or impressing someone else. Embrace your passions and let them enrich your life, for they are a reflection of your unique self.
YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR
You get what you find funny and only you truly get it. Sure, we can pretend to find something funny to fit in, but it's the most uncomfortable feeling not to mention super weird, honestly. I only want to laugh if I am genuinely amused, not trying to connect and relate with someone. We don't even know why we find things funny, right? There’s so much types of humor out there; dry humor, dark, dad humor and much more.
There's nothing like genuine, authentic laughter; the gut-wrenching kind where you just can't seem to control yourself. It’s so personal to you, it would be difficult for anyone to copy.
And that goes for your laugh too. Personally, I’m not a fan of mine, but it's me. I'm known for it, even if i’m embarrassed. And because it's so hard to change, I gotta just stick with it and own it. I'm working to embrace this part of me, and that's something no one can take from me.
YOUR VALUES
That is your morals, your integrity. What is important to you in this life? Our experiences contribute to what we view as valuable. Maybe you value money, family, fame... These are ingrained in your brain, and only you know why it holds the level of importance it does deep within your heart.
One thing I'm proud to say no one can take from me is my wisdom. This wisdom comes from the journey I've taken, the lessons I've learned, and the perspectives I've gained. It's the accumulated knowledge and understanding that guides my decisions and shapes my outlook on life. It's a treasure I've earned through my experiences, and it's something that truly sets me apart.
Now I ask, What makes you different from the rest?
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