Why I stand for individuality
Recently I took part in the Be Braver programme run by 🧠 Caroline Pankhurst ❤️🔥 . I did it because when asked what I needed to be doing in my business, my reply was often ‘be braver’ and when asked, what was stopping me, I would reply, ‘me’.
During the programme we were all reminded of times we had been brave before and that we could be again. We’re quick to move on from our achievements. We make ourselves do something hard, get to the other side of it, and think, ‘right, what’s next?’
One of the exercises was about our values and one of mine is individuality.
What does it mean to stand for individuality?
Personally, it means knowing that the things that make me different are strengths, not character flaws. I’ve always been an outsider and nowadays, I’m much more comfortable with that. Lots of things I was told were wrong, or not worth bothering with, when I was younger are now very common, and accepted. I wish younger me had stuck to her guns more, though she was much better at standing out than older me is. I’m tapping back in to that bravado.
My individuality means I think differently. I’m able to take lots of disparate information and turn it into something new.
When we’re at school, we’re encouraged to blend in and go with the crowd. It means lots of us were brought up to mask. Mask our feelings, mask our interests, mask who we are. So much potential is lost.
Lots of us put up with things we didn’t like because we were told that was the way it was and you just had to get through it. I hope now more of us are able to take the masks off and be ourselves.
Individuality makes us stand out. It also enables hidden stories to be told. We all have different experiences, viewpoints, learning styles, and interests. When we’re open to including others we create new opportunities to learn, grow, and solve problems.
What do you stand for?
Some things I read this week
I started the 4th in CJ Sansom’s Shardlake series, Revelation (affiliate link), and it’s proving as good as the last three. I’m enjoying settling down with a book at the end of the day.
Earth ‘well outside safe operating space for humanity’, scientists find – it’s not too late for us to come back from the brink but we must start heeding these warnings and taking action. We can do things as individuals but we need governments and big business to take real action and change where money is invested.
This interview with Richard Osman, author of the Thursday Murder Club books, which told me his brother is part of Suede #RandomFacts.
What’s your favourite celebrity connection?
I work with folks to understand our differences and look at them through a positive lens. Some differences are challenging. What works for you to minimise the effects of those ones?
I haven’t got a good answer for that. Listening, taking small steps, seeing how people feel. I always say it’s up to you how much you share about yourself and you can draw those boundaries however you want.
Draw the boundaries and only share what’s comfortable is a good approach. Give yourself the freedom to step into the uncomfortable sometimes though, when it feels right.