My Christmas tree is like no other in the world – it’s authentic. I’ve collected ornaments from places like Santa’s Workshop on the Arctic Circle, Times Square New York, Kathmandu and hundreds of other places I’ve had the good fortune to explore. They now decorate my tree, hanging beside ornaments lovingly made by my daughters, and the finished result is one of the best conversation pieces of the festive season.
As I purchased each ornament I knew it was just one of many that looked much the same. But when it was added to my collection, it became a special contribution to my unique festive masterpiece. My tree is a tapestry, woven with reminders of times and places, which also stimulates others’ special moments and memories.
Authenticity isn’t about following the status quo, the latest trends or the major influencers.
In so many ways, we are also much the same as others. But if every similarity we shared were packaged together in the same way, there would be no unique or authentic quality in any one of us. Authenticity isn’t about following the status quo, the latest trends, or the major influencers. Neither is it about being defiant and different, simply in order to stand out.
Being authentic is to be, to do and to say what is true for you, whether you’re the same as someone else, or different from everyone.
The Christmas season is a wonderful time to remember all that you are and all that you are not. It’s a time to stop selling yourself short and embrace being yourself. You’re not meant to be like everyone else, and they are not meant to be just like you.
To be authentic requires a sprinkling of difference.
To be authentic requires a sprinkling of difference. And that difference is what makes you uniquely you.
Happy Christmas.
Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Lacey All rights reserved.
Parent, educationist and advocate of agitating change in Australian education. By raising the bar we can face any global challenges facing Australia and Australians.
Contact Cheryl on cheryl@cheryllacey.com
