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Yesterday I celebrated the official one-year anniversary of Life Design.  Although the idea came to me during a silent retreat three-years ago, I know it was part of my divine plan many years in the making.  I was determined to create a life that celebrated my uniqueness ~ this included creating a business focused on the importance of living our life’s dash (the precious time between arrival and departure from this world) vs. sitting and waiting for “it” to happen to us.  I was an active participant in the development of a business where I would not just be tapping into on occasion my gifts and talents, but fully utilizing the “who” I am.  Recently, I told someone that I created Life Design so I could write, publish and speak to groups of all sizes.  Do you know how many life coaches, business consultants, published authors and inspirational speakers are out there?  What makes you unique? Excellent questions, even when they come from naysayers and “teachers”.  Do you celebrate your uniqueness?  Are you even aware of its existence?

I am a talker.  I can go on and on and on.  (Just ask those elementary, middle and high school teachers that gave me “Non-Satisfactory” grades in conduct.) But better yet, I’m an expressive talker, a descriptive talker.  I’m a storyteller.  I’m vocal, some might say “loud”, and laugh hard ~ there is no girly giggle here.  I want you there with me, reliving the moment.  My audience, whether reading my words or hearing them live, will see, hear, feel and touch my experiences.  They will witness my vulnerability and humor.  There’s an instant connection to my message because I walk and live my talk.  That is what makes me unique.  There was a time I apologized and made excuses for both my energy and voice.  Yet guess who wakes up ready to pinch herself every morning because of the ridiculous life she is living?  I embraced my uniqueness and now I celebrate it every day.

How do you discover your uniqueness?  It’s time to get to know you and have a one-on-one conversation.  What comes naturally to you and what brings joy to your heart?  So often we dismiss these qualities as nothing more than “eh”, why is that so important instead of knowing them to be gifts.  Are you empathetic?  Chances are good that regardless of your career or industry choice, you stand out amongst the rest because of your compassion, consideration, and kindness.  Has anyone ever challenged the position you hold because you don’t fall into the stereotype?  When I met my husband at a fundraising event, he had me laughing from the moment he started speaking.  He radiated creative energy and I learned about his love of the guitar and singing.  Jim then shared how he was a CFO and it was my turn to laugh.  There’s no way you’re in finance! He’s gentle, kind, understanding, patient, and has the ability to turn numbers into poetry.  Jim makes finance fun!  This is why he is one of the youngest CFO’s and so many people reach out to him for consulting.  He is unique.

Last year my nephew visited us from Florida during his Spring Break.  In all of his ten-year oldness, he embraced his uniqueness.  I had a hat, similar to what Jason Mraz wears, that Ross wore everywhere.  Initially he would put it on only when he was in our apartment.  If I wore this out in Florida, my friends would make fun of me. Is it because Florida isn’t known for fashion or because people (of all ages) make fun of those who are different due to their own insecurities?  After convincing Ross that more than likely if he wore the hat out in public in NYC he would receive compliments, he gave it a go.  Sure enough, strangers were coming up to him and complimenting his look.  Guys he thought looked cool thought he looked cool!  Of course, I became the brilliant aunt who told him that would be the case.  Before he left to return home, he said, “I think I’m supposed to live in NYC.  I’m allowed to be me.”

As important as it is to honor our uniqueness, we have to celebrate it in others as well.  Since you know what it is like to live your authentic truth, you understand how courageous and empowering it is for others to do the same.  We don’t want a dull, predictable world or existence.  We each have a life purpose and know one can live yours better than you.  You are the best you, you can be and by celebrating that knowing and embracing this knowing in others, we all get to shine.

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