Be Unique

Everything in nature is unique.  As humans, we’re not alone in being ‘one of a kind’ when compared to others.  Consider for a moment the leaves on a tree.  When we look at a tree, we classify it as a certain type (e.g. a maple tree).  But have you ever looked closely at the leaves?  From a distance, the leaves all look similar.  They have the same shape, color, and basic composition.  But look closely and you’ll find that every leaf is different.  Nature is full of uniqueness.  Just as every snowflake is different, many other things are in fact one of a kind.  Every one of us is equally unique in our own way.  Recognizing and celebrating that realization is the essence of life itself.

As humans, we are accustomed to being unique.  We have very specific fingerprints, our DNA distinguishes us from others, and our personalities are unique.  Being unique is a privilege and owning our own path in life is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.  Why is being unique such an important element of life?  I’m reminded of a scene in the first Jurassic Park movie where Ian Malcom, the chaostician is demonstrating the principles of chaos theory to Ellie Sattler by using a droplet of water on the back of her hand.  He mentions “tiny imperfections” as the reason why the water doesn’t travel the same direction twice.  Being fully present to the small differences in life raises our awareness of the profound uniqueness all around us.  If everyone was similar or the same, life would be awful boring!

The same is true of our own journeys through this life.  We often rely upon conventional logic and societal norms to guide our decisions.  We travel along in the belief that what has worked well for others must be true for ourselves.  When we allow ourselves to become trapped in such thinking, it’s no different than standing back and looking at the leaves on a tree – they all look the same.  In doing so, we surrender elements of our uniqueness so we “fit in” with everyone else.  But when we take the time to look more deeply and closely, we find that we aren’t like all the other leaves and in fact, every leaf is different.  When we own our differences it frees us to make decisions that celebrate our own unique place in this world.  With that awareness comes tremendous responsibility.  The decisions we make and actions we take do affect others.  This is the essence of the power of human connection.

A single leaf does make a difference, but it works as an integral component of the larger whole.  We have an obligation as humans to stay connected to the tree of life but in a way that celebrates our own uniqueness.  Each leaf brings nourishment of sun and moisture to its parent and as humans, it is our responsibility to feed humanity – to be of value to others.  When we choose to fit in with all the other leaves on the tree, we surrender a piece of ourselves and ultimately deprive others of the unique qualities we were created with.  Our calling and unique contributions to humanity are surrendered in that moment. 

Be unique.  Recognize that as a leaf on the tree of life, you are very different than those around you, even those connected to the same branch.  Be willing to embrace and celebrate your own differences and those of others.  Together, we are stronger and we advance the cause of humanity.  But always remember that you are connected to the larger tree that is our universe.  As such, you have a responsibility to feed others, but remember to do so in your own unique way.

Duane Grove is founder of Connect2Action and an aspiring quiet, reflective servant-leader.  Curious sage in perpetual development connecting us all on a journey of discovery of our highest purpose.  Follow Duane on Twitter @connect2action and connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google+.  Learn more about Connect2Action by visiting www.connect2action.com.

You can follow his blogs at:  mindfulperspectives.blogspot.com and connect2action.blogspot.com