We’re All Different on Purpose

I was at an event last week, and everyone was different.

Not different, like strange, but different in that everyone was doing their own thing. There were loud and outgoing folks and others quietly listening. Some were leading, others following, while others were doing their own thing.

It helped me realize that not only are differences good, but they are also necessary.

It’s sort of like the way birds are different. We have groups of crows making a racket as they move from tree to tree. We also have the tiny hummingbird fiercely protecting its turf from intruders. Every once in a while an impressive hawk will circle overhead and cause many of the other birds to go quiet as it looks for its next meal.

All the birds have roles to play and jobs to do. The hummingbird doesn’t join up with the crows and maraude neighborhood nests, any more than the robin soars with the eagles.

While people don’t have fixed roles, we all have things we are much more comfortable doing.

It’s easy to get confused with so much pressure to conform to certain definitions of success, and doing things ‘the correct way.’ You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are.

I can work on being the best Peter Bostwick in the world, but I can’t be a very good Warren Buffet, Elon Musk, or anyone else. I can only be me.

Every one of us is different. We each have our strengths, challenges, and adventures. And, no matter how different we seem, each of us contributes to the whole.

You are different and unique. The next time you feel like you need to do something to fit someone else’s expectations or are frustrated because others aren’t doing it your way, stop and think about how the differences you see add to the beauty of the world. When you do, it’s fantastic to see all the exciting and wonderful possibilities.

Imagine how boring it would be if there were only pigeons or ducks? Let’s celebrate everyone’s differences and allow yourself and others to be what ever each wants.