This is what makes us truly powerful

What makes us powerful is not that we're better than anyone else, for everyone has flaws. It's that we're different from them.

Sure, "different" can carry a negative connotation if it means the person is, say, a drug addict, woman beater, or compulsive gambler.

In this context, however, different means unique.

Maybe you know no one who can whip up a mean apple pie like you can.

Perhaps people lean on you for all things spelling and grammar because they regard you as the ultimate wordsmith.

Or, you're an expert a fixing cars, playing the violin, chess, or scubadiving.

We all bring a different set of talents to the table -- ones we should not only embrace, but continually aim to strengthen.

Having unique skills shouldn't be perceived as an excuse to show off or pretend one is above others.

Instead, it affords us the opportunity to:

1. Demonstrate to others the kinds of things we love (which may not align with their interests, and that's fine)

2. Continually build upon these talents and explore new ones in the process

Many people feel pressure to like the same things their peers do just to fit in.

But when you force yourself to like things that don't strike your fancy -- whether dogs, sushi, or baseball -- you put in jeopardy your individuality, and why would you want to do that?

Rather than always pushing yourself to embrace what your friends like, you should ask yourself whether they should do the same on their end. Why is it always you who has to bend to their will?

If they take issue with the things you love, maybe it's the people you hang around who should be swapped out rather than your hobbies.

There's nothing wrong with trying out something new on someone else's suggestion.

But the right people will celebrate what makes you unique rather than attempt to make you more like them.

They understand that differences can actually enrich a relationship, as it allows people to delve into different topics and learn new things from one another.

Be suspicious of people who put down your gifts or try to persuade you into giving them up. Chances are they are insecure of themselves, and it's merely a way to sooth their ego.

While sharing interests with friends is wonderful, we should always hang on to the very things that allow us to express who we really are.

Never relinquish your most authentic self for anything or anyone -- not a job, not a love interest.

There's only one of you in the world, so why try to be like someone else?

Comments

Do you have Isolophilia? Find out...

You're probably asking yourself, "What in the world does Isolophilia mean?" It sounds like it would be something negative, doesn't it? After all, words that end in "philia" (e.g., pedophilia) tend to involve things we want nothing to do with. But Isolophilia isn't something all people deplore. In fact, introverts like me welcome it. Put simply, Isolophilia is defined as having a strong affinity for solitude. It describes a person who relishes being alone. While extroverts can only take so much solitude, we introverts find that it rejuvenates us. In order to recharge our batteries, we need to retreat to a quiet environment where we we're left alone to rest and/or gather our thoughts. Extroverts, on the other hand, become bored and drained when they're alone for a lengthy period of time. Social interaction is the fuel that drives them. So while an extrovert would probably do anything to avoid feelings of Isolophilia in most cases, an...

No response from someone IS a response

Make no mistake about it: When you don't get a response from someone -- whether they fail to answer your texts or return your phone calls -- it is still a response, and a powerful one at that. When a person fails to respond, it's a direct reflection of their interest -- or lack thereof -- in the relationship. Few things are more aggravating than having to hound a partner, friend, or relative for some sort of reply after we've reached out to them. Yes, we get busy from time to time, but that doesn't give anyone the right to leave the other person hanging. A terse text with something like "Been busy, will reach out soon" doesn't say much, but at least it shows some effort to bring the other person up to speed on why they've fallen off the radar. Failing to provide a response for weeks -- if not months -- communicates that you are just not a priority, and that you'll have to wait your turn to get this individual's attention. This is n...

An important note to women about men and attraction

I was raised by my mom, grandma, and two older sisters. Growing up, never did I ever take any interest in the girls at school who tended toward exposing more skin. I always treated them as I would my female family members -- with the utmost courtesy and respect. And anytime I suspected that a male friend or acquaintance of mine adopted a hump-and-dump attitude toward women, I nixed them from my life. I held men who treated women as objects in very low regard, and still do to this day. If women feel empowered to show off their bodies because they love and work hard on their physique, more power to them. In other words, if they're doing it to please THEMSELVES and no one else, good for them. However, those who do it specifically to curry men's favor are making a big mistake. It sends the wrong signals and actually makes it less likely that a man will want to stick around for a committed relationship (if that's what you want as anyway). Granted, if you're not lookin...

How To Understand People

Search This Blog