Today, I want to encourage you to embrace the unique person that you are. For me, this is a real challenge. I can’t understand why I’m a complete extravert in one area and then will have a panic attack if asked in another area to speak publically. I don’t even see a common thread in either case. I am working to develop more self-compassion and am working to embrace these inconsistences in myself.
Back in September my friend and I went to see Panache Desai at an evening event. I was initially unimpressed and slightly angered by what seemed like his rejoicing when attendees would share the pain in their journey. It was not until he shared his own personal journey into and through pain that I understood why he was asking us to have faith that there are wonderful life lessons that our pain comes to teach.
Certainly there are many lessons that we can learn in joy and happiness. However, for some reason it seems that the lessons we learn during suffering are the ones that help us to grow most deeply.
These quotes from Desai’s talk resonated with me:
- At some point you must end your resistance to being you.
- It’s time to fly your freak flag. You ARE 100% weird; accept it. Being weird does not make your wrong.
- Stop fighting against your design. We are a complete and unique expression of Divinity.
- God gives you an opportunity to grow into what you want. He does not give you what you want.
- You assume you know what you need. When space is created; allow God to fill the space.
As you are working to love and accept yourself fully, I offer this week’s soundtrack, “The Prayer” asking God to give you a safe place to work out your love for self and others.
Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli first sang “The Prayer”. I’ve selected her duet of the same song with Josh Groban for this week’s soundtrack.
I also really love Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin’s rendition of this beautiful song…
Until next week,