The One and Only You!

“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light” ~ Mary Dunbar

A couple weeks ago on February 14th, I thought about the 1st Valentine’s Day that made an indelible impression on me. I was in 4th grade and my dad picked me up from school. On the passenger seat was a card and a beautifully wrapped little package, just for me. The gift was a bottle of perfume and I felt so elegant and special to receive such a grown-up present.

I still have that Valentine’s card and have pulled it out often over the years to reminisce (the ink from my dad’s handwriting is a little smudged from my tears). My dad passed away several years ago and there are certain gifts he gave me that will stay with me always.

Although mementos such as that Valentine’s card are precious, even more significant are his words. He often said to me, especially when I needed a boost, “In the history of the world there has never been anyone else just like you and there will never be.”

So this is the message I want to pass on to you: “In the history of the world there has never been anyone else just like you and there will never be.” Like a haute couture gown, an original work of art or a snowflake, you are one-of-a-kind. No one else possesses the gifts you do. Even if on the surface it seems that others share similar traits or talents, only you can express them in your unique way.

Many people expend a lot of time and energy comparing themselves to others and judging themselves harshly. Instead, realize that there is no exact match for you so comparison is pointless! Rather than measuring yourself against others, focus on visualizing yourself at your best and let that be your ultimate role model.

If you are skeptical I can relate. I had a hard time buying into it myself. It’s not uncommon to resist the idea that we are special and to doubt our magnificence. My hope is that by recognizing your uniqueness you will be inspired to have a deeper appreciation for yourself.

So what makes you unique? And I want to point out that although your outward appearance and physical skills are part of the equation, it’s essential to look beyond the exterior to uncover the attributes that make up your “essence”. By essence I mean the qualities that are intrinsic to you and that emanate from the “inner you”, just as the brilliance of a diamond is intrinsic to the stone.

Let’s take my dad for example. The physical traits that made him distinctive were his golden eyes, his booming voice and his commanding presence. The physical skills that made him unique were his ability to play the piano by ear from the age of 3 and his prowess at repairing anything mechanical. On an “essence” level, he exuded a fierceness and a fire, the likes of which I have never seen, which either inspired people to incredible heights or scared the heck out of them; it did both to me depending on his mood. And it was his essence that was his true gift. I attribute my passion for life, desire for excellence and determination directly to the impact his essence had on me. Throughout his life, he brought out these qualities in others as well. And so it is with you. You have an impact on others that nobody else can, just by being you.

So take time to think about what makes you unique, the impact you make and the gifts you bring to the world. When you truly recognize just how special you are it will transform the way you feel about yourself.

Now repeat after me: “In the history of the world there has never been anyone else just like me and there will never be.” Revere yourself as you would any one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

Until next time, keep refining!

Love,

Melissa

Time to Refine Tips

1. Realize that like a haute couture gown, an original work of art or a snowflake, you are one-of-a-kind. Even if on the surface it seems that others share similar traits or talents, only you can express them in your unique way.

2. Write down 3 physical attributes and/or skills that make you uniquely you.

3. Write down 3 “essence” qualities that emanate from the “inner you”.

4. Reflect on the above, paying particular attention to the “essence” qualities. What gifts do you bring to the world in the special way only you can? How can you more fully express your gifts going forward?

5. Repeat after me: “In the history of the world there has never been anyone else just like me and there will never be.” Revere yourself as you would any one-of-a- kind masterpiece!

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