Never walk in someone else's shadow -- whether it's that of your parents, partner, or friend -- for each of us are destined to go down a different path. Ours are unique successes and experiences. Our interests, our innermost feelings, our convictions -- they're all far different from those of people around us. Don't fight what makes you different. Embrace it, for you are magnificent just as you are. Depressing would be a world in which all of us think and act in lockstep. One of the most rewarding aspects of the human experience is being able to share what makes us unique with everyone else. Never envy what other have, nor try to emulate how they act or think. You are your own person -- a wonderful one at that. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Believe you can make a wonderful life for yourself and you shall. No one can do that for you. Take pride in your personality, your thoughts, your values. Take pride in all you have to offer the world. A...