“Today you are YOU, that is TRUER than true. There is NO ONE alive who is YOUER than YOU!” Dr Seuss
Such simple, yet profound words from a beloved child’s story book. We are taught this as young children, but do we hold onto this belief and do we emulate this with our life actions? Do you believe and live with a foundation that you are unique, valued, and what you do matters immensely to the history of this world?
YOU ARE UNIQUE
Isn’t it fascinating that not one leaf from any plant or tree is the same as another. Like each of our fingerprints, the leaf’s shape, size and form are unique. If we are each created differently, then I should not strive to be someone else, but rather discover who I truly am and live that out proud and unashamed. In our world of photoshop and social media, it is easy to hide behind a veil. We all know how to put our ‘best face’ forward or even an edited version of it. We see the other happy, beautiful and successful public profiles and desire to be like them. Yet, no one is that all the time. As I scroll Instagram, I see the same, same, same. The same color palettes, the same quotes, the same tags, the same diets, the same poses. Where is the beauty of uniqueness and diversity? Being true to who you are is the most beautiful side of you.
YOU ARE VALUED
There are so many people that I appreciate so much because I have learned from them, been inspired and motivated by the way they choose to live life. There is a difference between being inspired by someone and trying to be them. We’ve all seen the many fads that come and go. Someone influential does, wears, or acts a certain way and suddenly a huge following of other people are doing the same thing. What would it look like if we valued and appreciated what other people brought, maybe found inspiration from them, but didn’t copy them? What if we instead were honest and courageous enough to know that what we bring is just as valuable?
Someone once challenged me by asking, “Jasmine, when you walk in a room, what do you bring?” Each one of us carries something and whether we are proud of it or not, we spread that wherever we go. Each place you visit and every interaction you have is so important because your presence changes the atmosphere of that room. You’ve probably recognized this in some people. When a certain person walks in a room, they influence it. They might bring a level of energy, or joy, or motivation, or calmness and peace. What do you bring? What do you carry? I believe the people that you notice a great difference in the atmospheric change, are people who know who they are, and who are bold and unashamed at sharing this presence with others.
Stop hiding. Stop pretending. Stop apologizing. Discover who you are. Walk in a room, and shine brightly. No one else can be you. There’s only one position available and YOU are the most qualified to fulfill that.
YOU CREATE HISTORY
What you do matters immensely. There is a reason for your existence at this time in history. If you were not here, the story being written would have a large hole in it. One of my favorite lines from a story I have known and loved is, “For such a time as this, you have come to this place.”
This story is about a girl who needed to fit in, so that she could have security, prominence and influence. She hid behind a veil. Her beauty, charisma and poise raised her to the highest position at that time in history. She was crowned Queen of the largest empire of her day. However, she did not reveal her true self. Her family and people group were not popular at that time. They were different from the culture and actually living in exile from their homeland. Although she loved them, she did not want to associate with them publicly. It wasn’t until her people were so threatened that if she didn’t speak up they could be destroyed. A member of her family, whom she respected very much spoke these words to her and said, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
To reveal her true self at this time, was now dangerous. She too could be killed. She dug deep. Who was she really? How could she use the place that she was at to save her people? She spent three days to think about this and prepare herself. She then rose up courageously. She was designed to bring beauty to this world. Yes she was beautiful on the outside. But there were many other beautiful women in that kingdom who could have been chosen to be queen. She originally won the king’s heart because she was beautiful in character and charisma and was able to show him beauty in this world. She was a breath of fresh air to him. She was gentle and kind and was able to win people’s hearts. In creating a plan to save her people, she realized she didn’t need to go in fiercely or seductively or as anybody other than herself. It was by being her true self, revealing to the King where she came from and using her natural gifting that she once again won his heart and saved her people.
This little story reminds me to value who I truly am and to live authentically and honestly. We may not rise to a position of public influence like a queen. However, your life and influence matters just as much. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the greatest difference: smiling at a stranger, giving someone in need a sandwich, offering a listening ear, visiting your grandma, raising your children well, planting a tree, etc.
The relationships that you cultivate, the interactions that you have, the things you leave behind all shape our history. No matter how small or simple you think they are, they will leave an impact. You have a unique and valuable place in this world. For such a time as this that you were born, live, and will contribute to the greater story.
My question to you is, “Are you doing it being you?” Do you know yourself enough to be real? Are you living someone else’s position or do you value yourself enough to live truthfully, honestly and authentically? We can’t fulfill our true purpose unless we do it as our unique self.
To conclude, here is one more motivating quote from Dr. Seuss:
“You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” –Dr. Seuss
Much love to you today,
Jasmine
