“Why fit in when you were born to stand out” Dr. Seuss famously claimed. The story of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer is one of my favorites to illustrate this beautiful concept. Rudolph wasn’t like everyone else. He was different. And that was a good thing!
The natural born quality that had Rudolph stand out from the crowd when he was young–the feature that made him feel self-conscious, weird & different, was the very same quality that brought the crowd back together when he was older—his uniqueness was seen as a gift to be celebrated as it led the way to light the path for others.
When I was little and growing up, I was told I had “rose colored glasses” I was “too optimistic”, and I should “settle down and be more realistic”….”get my head out of the clouds; stop dreaming”. I naturally saw possibility & opportunities; I could see the bright spot and silver lining when others saw gloom and doom. I had faith in the unseen—I saw the future and what could be, not what was in front of me.
Today, that gift of encouragement, ability to inspire others and bring a sense of hope and possibility is not only my greatest passion, but it is a full-time coaching business.
This season, I invite you to consider what makes you stand out.
What makes you unique?
To go deeper with this question, consider for yourself: What was that one thing that when you were a little kid others could not help but notice about you? It might have made you feel weird, self-conscious, or different, and today, as an adult, that same natural born quality is your greatest gift? A gift that others really appreciate in you and really makes a difference for people?
It is very common as an adult to begin to feel stuck in a rut in a career; or stuck in a rut in your health or a relationship. Going back to your childhood for clues is a fun and fascinating way to begin the journey to get unstuck. As a small child, you had natural gifts, talents, interests, skills, abilities, and a fully developed personality that was all there before you even started Kindergarten. Looking back to when you were very little can provide clues to generate answers and clarity to move forward today. You are still that same person today, just older & wiser.
Are you getting to fully express your natural gifts and talents? Or, like Rudolph wearing a fake nose, are you suppressing and hiding them so you can fit in?
Like Rudolph’s shiny nose-so-bright, remember that YOU also have the potential to light up the darkness with your own brilliance.
The world needs you.
Shine on.
