If you’re “different”, you have a unique job to do. Being different means you honor your own values, follow your passion, lead the way, and blaze the trail. You are a leader perhaps not in the traditional sense, but in the way you follow your own calling. Being different means you have the courage to explore new venues and push beyond the boundaries you encounter.
Go exploring
For me, being different has meant always being on my own. I love to explore. Currently I’m exploring my own spirituality and deepening my connection with Tao. Being OK with being different has meant not caring what other people think about how I dress or the choices I make in my life.
If you’re exploring deeply on a specific path, you’ll find yourself alone because you’re following your own unique calling.
Leave a Trail
As you explore, you can do two things: you can forge ahead and leave a trail or you can walk beside someone and shine your light where they need it. You’ll do both within your service.
My writing explores the esoteric concepts that call to me, and my work is to translate what I discover into applicable ways to bring it into your life. I do both – leave a trail of insights, and shine my light with specific steps.
Lead
You may actively lead people forward through teaching and coaching or you may lead by example.
Sometimes your very enthusiasm is contagious. Sometimes the extent of your accomplishment or the difficulties you’ve overcome are enough to inspire others.
You’ll probably use a mix of actively leading and passively leading by example. Find the combination that works best for you.
You are special because of what you have become
When I was in high school 65 years ago, women were expected to get married and have children. That was it. But I was fortunate; my mother made certain I went to college.
I was an independent introvert who liked to think about things. A comparative religion course opened up a world of possibilities for me. And I was a rebel.
All my choices are reflected in each moment of my life today.
Begin different bears a responsibility
There’s still time to do more with your different-ness. I’m 83. I’m going for 114. There’s much work to be done.
Technology is going pretty fast for me but I can record podcasts and videos and put ebooks up on Amazon. Pick the places you want to explore and learn what you need to learn.
Then do your work and leave a trail of strong, empowering ideas to light the paths of those who follow.
To Sing a Deeper Song consider:
The Many Faces of Your Calling
How Do You Nurture “Different”
What Do You Do for People That They Can’t Get Elsewhere?
The Power of Your Personal Path
35—How to Hold the Space for Change.
27 – Why Have You Been Chosen
