Untouchable in Your Uniqueness
I would consider myself a confident person. I have never feared standing in front of the classroom to give a speech. I can talk to anyone. I set extremely high goals for myself that I never question being able to achieve. Up until sophomore year of high school, I whole-heartedly believed I could be a Victoria Secret Angel. That is, until my mother told me I was 5’2” and the requirement is at least 5’9”. After sobbing while searching for “leg extension implants” all night long, my dreams were crushed. Thanks, mom.
There is always someone or something that makes you question yourself, despite how confident you are.
In a sea of 400+ blonde-haired babes at my sorority meeting, I question things like am I basic? Do I look like everyone else here? Or even worse, How do I line up against these girls? Do they think I am weird?
During meetings with my boss or fellow employees, I question Am I even good at this? Why haven’t I done more? Do they think I am slacking? Am I the weak link?
Looking in the mirror at the gym, comparison eats away and I question Why is this so much harder for me? Why are my legs so short? Why can’t my arms look like that?
On really bad days, there are the dreaded moments of remembering your boyfriend or girlfriend has an ex, which leads to a spiral of How do I compare to them?
It sounds cliche, but I thoroughly believe comparison is the thief of joy. Believing you are “basic” prevents you from expressing yourself, whether that be in your clothing, hobbies, or photos. Questioning your worth at work prevents you from bringing your dynamic ideas to the table and putting forth your best effort. Measuring your body against others prevents you from seeing your own accomplishments and admiring all your body does for you. Reminiscing on your partner’s past takes away from the joys of now.
What does comparison serve you? You will never let yourself win.
There will always be someone prettier than you. There will always be someone smarter than you. There will always be someone more successful than you. There will always be someone stronger than you. There will always be someone who thinks your boyfriend or girlfriend is attractive. There will always be someone who outdoes you. There will always be Jennifer Lopez.
There will never be another you, however.
There is never going to be another person who enjoys all the things you do. What other person enjoys the combination of Takis, green tea, alternative rock, and puzzles?
There is never going to be another person who has your same quirks. What other person scrunches their nose when they laugh just like you? What other person bites their tongue when they are focused, typing on their computer incorrectly?
There is never going to be another person who looks exactly like you. What other person has a freckle on their palm, is an A-cup, and has your same stride when you walk?
There is never going to be another person who smells like you. What other person uses Buff City Soap detergent, paired with Tide dryer sheets, Chanel Perfume, Old Spice deodorant, and Colgate toothpaste?
There is never going to be another person who dislikes all the things you do. What other person hates everything about dogs, the sound of people walking in snow, and the taste of lemon desserts?
Your unique qualities make you untouchable.
Nobody could ever replace you. The way you look, think, love, and act can never be cloned. That is where your confidence should lie.
Whether what you bring to the table is the perfect fit or not does not matter. What matters is that what you bring is original. It has never been done before. The “perfect fit” will be someone (whether that be a spouse, boss, friend, etc.) that appreciates you in all that you are.
So, stop questioning yourself! Stop holding yourself back by comparing yourself to others. You can never be them. Even better, they can never be you.
You are untouchable in your uniqueness.
Be authentic and unapologetically rare.
