Daring, To 'BE' Different...

   Each of us is, unique, with, each, our own, 'special-gifts', and, abilities. I believe, that, it is important, to keep this, fact, in mind; especially, when we may be, 'entertaining' our-own, feelings, of 'self-doubt'...feeling, a, bit, 'useless' or, even, 'worthless', at times; especially, if/when, we choose to compare ourselves against/to others. Naturally, it, is, NEVER, appropriate, to feel this way, about or toward ourselves; For, how we 'appreciate' who we are, transfers and transpires into how we perceive, and, treat, ourselves and others. Yet, I know, that, it, can be, 'easy-enough' to 'slip-into' this, type, thinking, and, permit, 'punishing'-thoughts, to 'torture' us, periodically. Self-love is the impetus, and, the 'motivator' behind our ability to know ourselves; With, this, 'love of self', dependent-upon, the insight or opinion of NO other. It is a thing we must be able to acknowledge, on our own, through our, own, personal, self-exploration. We cannot, depend upon the external-influences, in our lives, to give us gratification, nor, to 'validate' our, very, being. When, this, is the form of 'confirmation', or, 'substantiation' which, is sought, to satisfy self-worth, well...we, ONLY, get back what we put out. So, where there is no sense of self-love, there, shall be no, true-love, mirrored-back. Yes...it is LOVELY, to know, that, others, like/love us; But, we MUST, first, find, that, for ourselves...WITHIN ourselves; And, rather, than, allowing the differences, in us, which, are, our-UNIQUENESS, to cause us to feel alienated, or bring about angst, it is, vital, to EMBRACE them, for the, TRUE,-gift(s), that, they are, and, to appreciate, that, they are what make you...YOU! Just Sayin'...