Even when we take a break from Hollywood, much of our waking life is spent being influenced by others. The pastor at your local church has a list of seven deadly sins and ten commandments. The kids at high school have a clear definition of success that includes the popular football player and perfectly proportioned cheer leading squad, leaving no socially acceptable room for the nerdy computer geek. Our teachers laud kudos on the academically excellent and above average "straight B students", yet scorn the brilliant artist, mathematician or actor who dare to excel in only one area.

We’re taught to spend our energy on fitting in, on being accepted. Our life is spent living up to expectations, carefully shielding our uniqueness from the harsh glare of the world. Leaving our spirit trapped within us. And most of us leave this world having never lived.

"I have spent my days stringing and unstringing my instrument, while the song I came to sing remains unsung."  ~Tagore

The hardest part about being yourself, is that you no longer spend your time trying to be someone else. You see, imitating someone else is not just socially acceptable, but requires little mental or emotion effort. After all, you’re not inventing and discovering, you’re just copying.

Yet for all it’s challenges, there is nothing as sweet as accepting who you are and living your life every day. Our greatest gift to this world, to our friends and family, is to let our uniqueness shine through. Our strange quirks, heartfelt passions and hidden talents are what make us an invaluable part of creation.

So how do you make a difference in your life today? For the next week stop trying to be like everyone else and spend time discovering who you are.

Live the life you desire

Yet through all the years of progress, have our lives really improved?
Most of us can now expect to live for 80 years, but is this existence more meaningful or more joyous than the short sojourn’s our ancestor’s had on this earth?

I believe without question that today we have more opportunity to impact to live a life of purpose than ever before in the history of mankind. Yet it saddens me that many let the opportunity slip through their fingers. They discount the wonderful blessings of our Creator, they take for granted the improvements won by the generation before and fade out into the dim memory of those who go on after them.

The good news is that no matter where you are today, now can be the moment you choose to become who you were meant to be.  To live a life full of joy, passion and purpose.

Join us on this journey…