The One and Only You

I believe that being ourselves, growing into our skin and becoming comfortable with who we are is a lifelong process. Perhaps it’s because we go through so many different ages and stages of life and have to grow accustomed to each of those ages and stages. 

There’s childhood, teen, young adult, adult and all grown up. Then there’s the roles that go along with each of those ages. First we make it through elementary school, high school and perhaps college. Then, if we choose a career there’s a beginning, a middle and an ending.

 If we marry and have kids there is the season of raising youngsters, tweens, teens and then they grow up, move out, and go live their own lives.  

None of us are exactly the same as we were a year ago, and none of us will be exactly the same as we are this time next year. Living out who we are requires us to alter our thinking as we go. Living out who we are requires the courage to continue being who we are.  

For instance, I am one of many yoga instructors here in my community. Recently, I started teaching at a new studio. I replaced a previous teacher, but am instructing the same type of restorative meditative class she taught. 

After a recent class, one of the participants commented, “You didn’t do the class like our previous teacher, but I liked the way you did it.”

Nope, I thought to myself, I’m not the previous teacher.  

“I’m glad you liked it,” I said out loud.

There is a Quaker saying that goes like this: “I’m unique in all the world. There is no one like me. In all the world there is no one who can do what I can do.” 

We can’t fill anyone else’s shoes. We can only fill our own. 

 Why Bother?

Why bother being the one and only you? There is only one of you and nobody but you can be you.

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who need clarity when it comes to understanding forgiveness. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.