We all need nurturing. Sometimes we nurture ourselves; sometimes others nurture us. But if we are “different”, what does nurturing look like? How do we nurture ourselves if we desire to express our unique self?
“Different” is often on the edge of the group
Being different means you never expect to be at the center, you always find yourself at the edge, or not belonging to any group, other than on the fringes. You learn to take care of yourself. You learn to depend on yourself. You don’t really know how to ask for help because you’ve never done it.
I know, because I’m “different”.
“Different” often has a unique focus
“March to the beat of a different drummer” resonates because we hear our unique drumbeat and it calls deeply to us. When we have the courage, we follow our passion, knowing that wherever it takes us, we may very well be the only person there.
Our calling is strong and unique. We are compelled to follow and explore it.
So how do we nurture “different?”
You can probably understand and accept your uniqueness more easily if you’re introspective. You’re naturally inclined to know and accept yourself. It was a huge relief when I realized that my desire to be alone and to be contemplative was simply how I uncover what I need to express next. I go within to find the answers I seek. I go within to be creative.
No one can find your answers for you – you must learn to find them yourself.
Trust is one way to nurture “different”
Trust how you feel about circumstances. Trust that the compelling urge that unexpectedly shows up is part of your calling and your need to follow it. Trust that you’ll recognize the next best choice for you.
You nurture “different” by following your intuition
Each day I become clearer about my calling. I watch myself being pulled in the direction of philosophical exploration that is so strong I seize every nudge that shows up. That’s something only I can do. It’s a way that only I can nurture my different-ness.
You nurture “different” by helping others believe in themselves
My oldest child was brain damaged at birth as a result of a forceps delivery. My other children are super smart. I had to give up my belief that all my children would go to college and live a useful life. My oldest daughter would not be capable of following the path I knew how to do. I had to look for what was unique about her. She was good with people. Her gift to me was to teach me to notice the uniqueness in each person and if possible, support them in developing the very strengths that set them apart.
Honor the uniqueness in everyone
We are all unique. Some are a lot more unique than others. The more adamantly we develop our uniqueness, the very things that make us different, the more alone we become and the stronger we are.
It takes courage to stand alone
It takes passion to go down some of the paths that beckon, to develop the skills that are needed for our particular journey. We do not want to be in the middle of groups – we want to be on the edge, because that’s where we push off from to discover the new adventures that await us.
I nurture myself by giving myself time to follow the competing insights that appear. I nurture myself by heeding the calling from within the takes me on the most rewarding journey of my life. I follow the unexplored, undeveloped part of me that nurtures and supports my passion and calling.
How do you nurture “different?”
To Sing a Deeper Song Consider
Learn to Honor Your Inner Rhythm
The Power of Your Personal Path
Can You Control Your Own Destiny?
The Power of the Label You Choose
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32 – How to See Your Work As Art
Video-The Power of Unfolding
