CELEBRATE THE UNIQUENESS OF YOU

CELEBRATE THE UNIQUENESS OF YOU

Today you are You, that is truer than true.
There is no one alive who is Youer than You.
-Dr. Seuss

The Chinese philosophy of Tao teaches us the principle ofTe: the virtue of being the best we can be: celebrating our uniqueness without comparing ourselves to, or imitating, others.

That’s a difficult assignment in our culture where media bombards us with photos of women who are younger/thinner/more athletic/more beautiful/wealthier/apparently happier than we are. How can we possibly compete with them?

We can’t. And that’s just the point. We don’t have to and we shouldn’t even try.

I’m not suggesting that we can’t look at others and see them as role models if the model fits us, that is. Recently I was in a supermarket and noticed an energetic, tall and slim, younger woman standing in front of me. It’s entirely possible that I might have bemoaned myfate of being old, a bit heavier than I’d like, short (and getting shorter every day) and weary from a full day’s activities. Had I compared myself to her taking into account only her youth and svelte figure – I would certainly have come out on the short end. What I did notice, however, was her vibrancy. That was something lacking in me that day. And that was a trait I could easily incorporate into my essence.

While I realized I can never be young again, nor was I ever tall and slim, I knew I am fortunate to have a body which works well and has given me years and years of fine living. In giving myself credit for what I do have, and then recognizing what was lacking that day (a kick of vibrancy), I recognized my uniqueness and felt oh, so good about myself.

Think about your strengths. Acknowledge and celebrate all within you that is good, strong, and wise. It is quite amazing that this is a chore for many of us; we’ve beentrained to maximize our weaknesses while minimizing our assets. Its skewed thinking like this that keeps us from believing in ourselves and all of our possibilities.

Believing in ourselves requires a positive mindset, a willingness to stop comparing ourselves to others, and the ability to acknowledge our skills and be tolerant of our weaknesses.

Each of us is unique with our own special talents and abilities. Once we to recognize that we can tap into our best selves and be all we are meant to be. That’s when we truly live the principle of Te.

C.J. Golden, author of TAO OF THE DEFIANT WOMAN, and the award winning TAO-GIRLS RULE!

is a motivational speaker who travels the country inspiring all with her dynamic spirit and vision

as she helps others explore their unique journeys through life.

She is an increasingly important voice in the field of women’s studies as her message resonates with women and girls everywhere.

Visit CJ and connect with other Tao-Girls and Tao and defiant women at www.taogirl.com