The Joy of Being You: Embrace Your Unique Journey and Quirks

THE JOY OF BEING YOU

How to embrace and appreciate your unique journey and quirks

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

Dr. Seuss got it right: there might be eight billion people on our big, beautiful planet, but you are the only you.  

Isn’t that incredible? You are wildly, wonderfully unique! And what you bring to the world is invaluable and irreplaceable. Your thoughts, your experiences, your choices, your perspective, your passions and your quirks – they’re a one-of-a-kind blend that nobody else can replicate. 

But truly – and completely – being yourself in today’s world is an act of radical self-courage. It’s a revolution; a powerful and profound rebellion against the pressure to conform.  

THE BEAUTY AND BENEFITS OF BEING AUTHENTICALLY YOU 

Ever felt a little uncomfortable or out of place in the world? Like you were too much or too little, too loud or too quiet, too weird or too strange? 

That was me as a kid. My teachers told my parents I never talked or asked questions at school. But at home, I wouldn’t stop talking! I was just really sensitive and got easily overwhelmed in noisy, busy places. So, I mostly kept to myself and my own little world.

But soon I learned what made me different were actually my superpowers. Being a voyeur of life rather than a participant made me an astute observer of others. I noticed and heard things others missed because, unlike me, they were busy being in the middle of things. So, from a very young age, I felt like an old soul. 

Once I accepted and embraced this realization, everything changed. 

A fascinating study revealed that individuals who wholeheartedly embrace their uniqueness often find themselves living more authentically.  

This genuine way of life, staying true to their character and values, has positively correlated with increased happiness. Because when you’re true to yourself, you make decisions that deeply resonate with your inner values, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. 

So, how can you discover what makes you unique? 

KNOW THYSELF 

Embracing your true self starts with understanding who you truly are. It’s like embarking on a grand adventure to discover a hidden treasure. But instead of coins and relics in a chest, you’ll uncover your values, beliefs, passions, personality and dreams. Each discovery is like a precious gem, revealing another facet of your unique self.  

Ready to get started? Here are some tips to kick off your journey. 

Go on a stroll down memory lane.

Cast your mind back to the memories that mean the most to you. What was it about those times that made your heart sing? Maybe it was a feeling of peace washing over you, a sense of purpose igniting your spirit, or the warmth of connection with someone special.  

In these sparkling moments, your values shine through, showing you what really matters in your life. 

Look for the silver linings.

Okay, so not every memory is going to be rainbows and sunshine. But even in the less than stellar moments, we can find valuable insights.  

Think about the times when things didn’t feel quite right. Those days when you felt a little unfulfilled or off-kilter. Often in these shadows, our environment or experiences don’t quite align with our inner values. Peeking into these less shiny bits can help you pinpoint what you truly hold dear. 

Seek sparks in stories.

Ever lost yourself in a book, show, or movie? The tales that tug at your heart – there’s magic in them. These narratives are often memorable because they resonate with our deepest values and aspirations. They can act as a mirror, reflecting what we admire and aspire to be. 

So, the next time a story captivates you, ask yourself, ‘Why does this resonate with me?’ It might just reveal a piece of your puzzle. 

Listen to your heart’s whispers.

Sometimes, our deepest desires and dearest dreams are found in the quiet moments. It’s in the little things that bring you joy, the activities you lose yourself in, the daydreams that linger in your thoughts. 

Think about what makes you giddy with excitement. What do you fall asleep thinking about? Where does your mind wander when someone mentions following your dreams? Pay attention to these whispers; they guide you towards your most authentic self and journey.  

Psst – curious what your inner narrator has to say? Go on an adventure to uncover your self-talk with The Narrator Within. [link to page] 

Remember, knowing yourself is an ongoing and ever-evolving journey. Embrace it with curiosity and joy, for there is no greater adventure than discovering who you truly are. 

But what about the parts of yourself and your story you aren’t as proud of? 

HOW TO CELEBRATE THE UNIQUE JOY OF YOUR JOURNEY 

Here’s the deal: not every decision you’ve made (or will make!) will be magical. Trust me, I know. (There was the time I thought it’d be a good idea to capture field mice from the vacant lot across the street and the time I almost married someone who definitely wasn’t my soulmate.) 

But – and this goes for you, too – these weren’t mistakes or bad decisions that I should beat myself up for.  

Your journey is yours alone. It’s a path no one else other than you can walk, filled with stories only you can tell. 

And every step of your journey, including the ups and downs, has contributed to the incredible person you are today. Your experiences are more than mere events; they’re lessons that have shaped you. They’ve given you wisdom, resilience, and a unique perspective on life. Celebrate them!  

By embracing this journey, you’re appreciating the worth of your experiences and the value of lessons they’ve taught you. This acknowledgment is empowering; it reaffirms that your life, with all its unique twists and turns, is valuable and meaningful. Just like you! 

Have you joined Heart Travels with Hachi yet?

Aka: A five-step adventure in honoring your heart & launching your personal revolution (the Hachi way!)