Different

DIFFERENT = not the same, unlike, dissimilar in nature or quality as well as state of being; unusual, special

QUESTION: In what way are you different?

Image: Heather Williams, H.W., M.

STORY: I taught drawing to many different kinds of people. Poor people; people who had developmental disabilities; people who worked in universities; people who lived in jail or prison. I taught drawing to people in mental institutions; people in public and private schools; people in homeless shelters. I was a Special Education teacher in high schools and middle schools for 18 years. Every human being can hold a pencil and draw a line expressing something that is meaningful to them. The girl in this drawing was in my high school art class. She was very curious and eager to learn about many things. We each need to embrace our unique qualities. We each need to embrace what makes us different - rather than trying to fit into the norm.

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QUOTES

“Be yourself! Everyone else is taken.” ~ Oscar Wilde

“No matter what your differences are, you have to embrace them and be proud of the way you are.” - Jazz Jennings

“Being different gives the world color.” ~ Nelsan Ellis

“When you embrace your differences, (your DNA, your appearance, heritage, religion or your unusual name, that’s when you start to shine.” - Bethenny Frankel

“Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” - Margaret Mead

EXERCISE

STOP.

Sit quietly. Assume an erect posture.

Sense the breath.

BE aware of the intangible, invisible part of you - the Life Energy that is uniquely expressing through you now.

Get your paper and pen and write words or draw lines expressing one way that you are different; expressing the unique and different energy that is your gift to share with the world.

Appreciate what makes you different and move forward into your new day open to sharing the Great Spirit of your unique self.