Never imitate. Be yourself.

[Ray Degraw]

From Og Mandino's "The Greatest Miracle in the World":

You have been told that you are divinity in disguise, a god playing a fool.

You have been told that you are a special piece of work, noble in reason, infinite in faculties, express and admirable in form and moving, like an angel in action, like a god in apprehension.

You have shown no knowledge or appreciation of your uniqueness.

Yet, you are the rarest thing in the world.

... A priceless treasure, possessed of qualities in mind and speech and movement and appearance and actions as no other who has ever lived, lives, or shall live.

No longer hide your rarity in the dark. Bring it forth. Show the world. Strive not to walk as your brother walks, nor talk as your leader talks, nor labor as do the mediocre. Never do as another. Never imitate.

Be yourself.

[just me]

Thanks for sharing that beautiful piece.

[ldsmaverick7]

So much easier to say than to do. It takes practice to become so genuine and authentic. One of my favorite quotes from Shakespeare is "this above all: to thine own self be true." That being said, I'm not perfect in being true to myself, but I do work at becoming so. One day it would be nice to be able to talk to anyone from any walk of life and be the exact same person with them as I am when I am alone. That's one goal I am working toward.

[LaLaLove]

Great post! Sometimes "myself" is not very nice. But I'm working on that!