YOUnique

Imagine a world where everyone looks alike. Imagine people doing the same thing, eating the same food, having the same talent, having the same taste about everything, having the same dilemma and the same likes and dislikes. As I was pondering about these things I came up with the conclusion that when everyone is alike things would have been boring and dull for the reason that when you look around everybody is alike. No one is lesser or greater than anyone. No differences in opinions and probably there is also no quarrels because everyone is the same.

As a child, I grew up in a huge family. And when I say huge, I mean literally huge in number. Everyone is different from each other. From preferences, to outfits/fashion sense, point of view in life, professions, favorite food, personality, behavior, taste in music, you name it, no one has the same taste. There are times when some has the same taste about something, but most of the times, we differ from each other. And I am truly amazed with my parents for acknowledging that none of us (their kids) are the same. They know us too well that they are able to determine what we feel individually. I never even heard them comparing us with one another even when it's the easiest thing to do in order to make us realize about a specific matter.

When I started studying I've seen my teachers giving their students different approaches. It has somehow given me the idea that they have favoritism in the class. In my mind, when you are rich, good looking or your parents always come to school, it means that you are special because you are the topic most of the times. When you are a child and you see your teacher asking your classmate to bring their parents the next day, you think that it's because they are the favorite. Especially when the parents are called by the teacher almost every month. But as I was growing up I was able to understand that the teacher's approach is based on the students capacity. The reason why a teacher decides to allow a student near her is because she has to pay more attention to her student who is having a hard time catching up with the lessons. Parents are called at school for the naughty behavior of a student.

In a group of friends no one is the same. Some might be good in telling stories while some might be good in laughing at the story and when it's their time to speak up, they are having a hard time to do so. Some might be intelligent enough while some might be one of the average students. Some might be overly sensitive while some might be insensitive. Some might have the friendly vibe while some might have the serious vibe. Some might not even be a true friend. It is hurtful when you decided to trust your friend and yet you are stabbed at the back.

A man and a woman involved in a romantic relationship is not the same either. They say that opposite attracts and I believe in this. I remember knowing someone playful who decided to court someone who is more of a reserved and serious type of person. They clicked in their relationship even though they are the complete opposite of each other. Some even has difference in religion, belief and family values but they are together. I asked him why he chose to pursue her even when they are the complete opposite of each other and his answer was that "I am not attracted to someone the same as me". Well, in my opinion, I wouldn't also want to be with someone who has the same attitude as me. I was thinking that if both of us has an attitude that is difficult to handle and understand then our relationship wouldn't last.

WEIRD. That's what they call people who are different from them. When you never tried to fit in, you are called names but when you try to fit in you lose yourself. You lose your identity. When your way of thinking is different from them, you are an outcast. When you have great self control, they will push you to your limits. When you don't go with the norm, you are labeled as kill joy. When you do things differently, you are called lazy or troublesome.

Do you know why most people, if given a chance, would want to have plastic surgery or do different diets? It's because of the trend. It's because of the mindset that you have to fit in a crowd where you are born to stand out. You have to follow the trend or else you are labeled as old fashioned. This is the reason why many people are desperate to change themselves and becomes frustrated when their desired results didn't happen in their set time or schedule. They want to go with the flow, even if the end of the flow is destruction.

Please don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with wanting to look the same as your idols, behaving like them or imitating them. What I'm trying to point out is that you are you and no one can ever be you. Isn't it better to become YOUnique? Isn't it better to be known and loved for who you are than to be known as someone else? Isn't it better to have your own identity than to try and become someone whom you are not? Isn't it much better to be accepted for who you are than to be loved as someone whom you are not?

Only dead fish go with the flow. Self acceptance is the key. If you can't accept yourself then who else will? There are times when you look in the mirror and ask yourself is this really me?

There's nothing wrong with being different from others. There's nothing wrong for always choosing what is right. There's nothing wrong for being YOU. There's nothing wrong from preserving yourself for the person whom you are going to marry. There's nothing wrong for not reaching the same milestone as them. There's nothing wrong from wearing outfits which you are comfortable to wear. There's nothing wrong for choosing to distance yourself form the things and people that harm you. There's nothing wrong for respecting yourself. There's nothing wrong for knowing who you are. There's nothing wrong from knowing your worth. There's nothing with wanting to become better for yourself.

It's painful to be compared to someone because all of us are different from each other. Even twins are never exactly alike. You might be good in singing while others are good in dancing. This is the reason why God created us different from each other. It's so that we will have our own identity. We are given different gifts and talents.

Do things God's way.

The world is filled with things that make us confused about our real identity. In this world the meaning of beautiful is white skin, lovely face and perfect body shape. If you don't have those, then you did not meet the standard. If you are too fat or too thin, they still have things to say against you. Whether you do good or bad people always has something to say.

But isn't it much better that people has something to say against you when you do good than when you do bad? Because when you do bad you deserve it. But when you do good, you are rewarded.

For the world, the meaning of success are material things. The meaning of joy is being in a relationship. When you are not in a relationship you are unhappy.

Romans 12:2 NLT

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

~ The standard of this world are temporal while the standards of the heaven are eternal. Do not allow your mind to think differently from God's word. The Bible is what will tell you the right from wrong.

Psalm 139:14 NIV

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

~ You are fearfully and wonderfully made! You are unique and no one else will become better in being you, as you already are the best you.

Luke 12:7 NIV

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

~ You are always worthy. Your value is priceless.

Colossians 3:12

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

~ You are always the first choice and beloved by God at all times.

When the world puts you down, remember that God is at your back supporting you and carrying most of the weight for you.

YOU ARE IRREPLACEABLE!

YOU ARE YOUNIQUE!

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