A favourite song of mine goes, "You're so special, just like anybody else." It's so true - each of us is Something Special!
Although some people may seem more special because they stand out more than others, the only thing they have done differently is that they figured out what their unique purpose is in life. Happy people know what their special gift is and they use it every day.
If you know what your special gift is for the world and you do not use it, not only are you missing out on getting to share it, the rest of us are missing out as well. Only you have your voice. Only you can tell your story. If you have something to say, you should say it. If there's something important you need to do, you should do it. As long as it doesn't harm anyone else and it satisfies your soul, isn't it worth the risk? Others may not be supportive, or impressed, or maybe they won't 'get it'. So what? Who holds your power?
Some people have gifts of antagonism. They are indeed archetypal villains. Accepting that some people are simply interested in creating drama and strife is part of a super hero's quest. Although we can't always save those people from their own self-created hell, we can prevent them from dragging us and others down. We each do it, every day, in our own ways. We use our specialness to uplift and protect.
Most of us can say we have people in our lives who would never want to live life without us. How important is it, therefore, that we value our personal contributions?
Although the expression, 'a face only a mother could love' sounds cruel, it may actually ring true on some level! It's true that our mothers love us unconditionally and they think we're beautiful no matter what. However, some people just don't care if they're loveable and it shows in how they organize their faces.
My son is one of those people who, as an infant, always being in the sling, greeted everybody with direct eye contact and a "hi!" No small wonder we were approached by the owner of a new photography studio in Calgary. As a result, they used a few photos of our family in their brochures and we got some amazing keepsakes.
We were discouraged by family members in Calgary about finding Artan a modeling agent, because every parent thinks their child is the most beautiful. Well, I know I'm a bragging mother, but six years later, you can't argue with 1,001 compliments! I'm thankful that my son has a face not just his mother could love and, bias aside, his specialness is in the sparkle in his eyes, in his impeccable sense of humour and in his compassionate heart.
I don't believe in specialness of days, because it seems to me that most of the days we deem special have hallmark greetings attached to purchased gifts.
Anniversaries and birthdays aren't as important for those who celebrate one another every day. Generosity, reverence and appreciation should be expressed daily, not just annually.
Sunday is Mother's Day, but I advocate celebrating mothers every day. Motherhood is the greatest honour I could ever imagine. I've been having the most ecstatic experience being a mommy. I'm also very glad that my mother, Valerie, has always valued my own peculiar uniqueness!
Earth Day, in my opinion, is silly, because we should be honouring the Mother of Us ALL every day, as a lifestyle. Earthday.ca, in fact, is campaigning for making it every day. It makes sense since we, as Earthlings in this time, more than ever before, are all responsible for how we leave it for future generations.
We don't have to actually hug trees (in fact, don't, because of ticks!) but we each need to contribute in our own special way to a common legacy.
In a world where you can be anything, be yourself. You must. Every day!
