Have you ever really stopped to ponder just how special YOU really are? Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” The first time I heard that I thought it was so funny. It’s simple and true, but we complicate it. So much of my life either someone else compared me to others, or I was doing it to myself. When we compare ourselves to others we do such injustice to ourselves.

We often do this without even knowing what that person has been through or how or why they are able to present themselves in the way they do. We so often judge others (generously or harshly) and think the grass is greener on the other side. You may think they have more or their life is better and, even if that were true, you don’t know what they went through first, or what they feel on the inside. That may be a very different picture!

If you find yourself doing this, recognize it’s good information. It’s telling you something about yourself. Likely, there’s a need that isn’t being met. This awareness can lead you to dig deep within and discover a new way to meet that need that empowers you and your uniqueness.

It’s good to have teachers, mentors and role models. People that inspire us. People that create in us a desire to become our best selves. People who empower us to do this in ourselves, for ourselves. That is beauty, love, and creativity at work. Gratitude for them is appropriate, but these people would not want to be put on pedestals. They wouldn’t want us to minimize or devalue ourselves in any way to honor them. Comparison just falls to the wayside.

People who love you, care about you, and recognize your value won’t take power from you, nor wield power over you. They will use their power for you and with you. This power is loving and generative. It is not self-seeking. It creates a desire in you to “know thy self” and to have integrity.

Dr. James E. Loder defines love as a “non-possessive delight in the particularity of (self/other).” Wow! Can you delight in your unique particularities? The different laughs or smiles you may have, things that individually light you up, certain things that make you cry, things you create, dream about, and so much more! Others who love and value you want to celebrate your particular you as you grow in self love and expand into more and more of your potential. As this is reflected back to you, it empowers you to be “truer than true” with yourself, because there’s no one who can be “You-er than You”! I hope you’ll pause today and take some moments to celebrate and soak in the particularly unique You deep into your heart and soul!

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.