Accepting and Loving our Uniqueness
Editor Note: Today’s guest post was written by Akemi Gaines of Yes To Me. Thank you Akemi!
Is uniqueness an asset or liability? Can you accept others when they behave differently from what you consider to be the norm? Do you love your own uniqueness?
We all have an internalized standard of how we should do certain things. We learned it when we were growing up, and it keeps the society run smoothly. However, it also causes stress in us because ultimately, we, each one of us, are unique and different from the abstracted idea of the norm.
The areas we feel different from others and the degree we feel we are different are unique to each of us. Maybe some of you can ignore the differences and declare yourself to be a typical American, a good Christian, average man or woman, and so on. And for some of us, we just have to admit we are different . . .
If you are feeling isolated, or suppressing the “real you,” here is a story how I reconciled the issue.
Some people say “That’s different.” meaning they don’t like it.
Well, I’m different. I am originally from Japan, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t get rid of my accent.
I came to the US in May of 1995 to complete my college degree and to rebuild my life. My English at the time was good enough to pass the test to waive ESL (English as Second Language) courses, so I started taking regular classes immediately. For that summer semester, I took History and Visual Art. The History textbook was about 2 inches thick. My vocabulary wasn’t big enough yet, so I had to check the English – Japanese dictionary often. I spent most evenings reading that book in the dorm room that summer. But that wasn’t the biggest challenge. . .
My biggest challenge was speaking up. Some American kids sneered at me when I spoke. I was embarrassed, and this made my speaking even clumsier. Same thing happened when I went out for shopping. I would ask for coffee and get coke instead. I felt uncomfortable, and even afraid, of going out by myself.
Some people seem to assume that, if someone can’t speak fluently, he or she is dumb. Until I got my English to certain level of fluency, I was often talked to as if I were a five-year-old. Some others assume yelling helps. And yet others plainly make it clear that immigrants, like me, don’t belong here and they are not happy to serve such customers.
I started studying English at age 13, which is too late to learn proper pronunciation of a new language. By age 10, linguists say, our ears become “stiff” and cannot learn new pronunciations. Yet I practiced. I practiced even harder when I came to America. I had to.
In my college classes, I realized what I had to say mattered far more than how I could say it. This restored a great deal of my confidence because I did have a lot of great ideas. Gradually, other students started to listen to me. Two years later, I graduated with honors.
The real challenge is within me.
I started working for a bank, utilizing my bilingual skills. I was living in Columbus, Ohio, and the city was growing. As more internationals joined the community, more Americans learned how to speak with internationals. As long as I was in the metro area, I always got coffee when I asked for coffee. There were so many other internationals with heavier accent than mine that I hardly drew attention. Life was getting more comfortable. . .
Comfortable, yes. But did I really reconcile the issue within myself? It is one thing to exercise discipline and improve my English. My English, however, is never going to be exactly the same as that of native speakers. Is this a liability I have to live with? Do I have to feel secretly alienated about this liability for the rest of my life? Or can I accept and even love it as my unique asset?
This internal challenge took far longer than getting good grades at college because on the daily life level, I had no problem communicating with my friends. I hardly noticed there was an issue left within me. Until I left my corporate job to build my own business as a life coach…
Coaching sessions are done over the phone. It is all about listening and building a constructive dialogue. When I attended the orientation of the coach training course, I gathered I had all the qualities to be a good coach. My only concern was: How do I sound on the phone? Will people – American people – trust me enough to hire me as a coach? This was a critical question I had to ask before I invested several thousand dollars in this professional development. So I aired the question during the Q& A session. The response took me by surprise…
“You sound professional . . . yet cute.” said one of the fellow attendants. “I have no problem understanding you,” said another. “Akemi, I’ve only known you for two hours now, and it’s obvious you are ahead of many of us. You have something valuable to say, and people who understand the value will listen to you.” This comment made me think. She may be right… if someone judges me by my accent, maybe that person is not my ideal client.
The mentor coach who was leading the orientation spoke up. “You have a very memorable voice. Once people hear you, they will definitely remember you, and your accent is part of your signature voice. You might want to get a radio gig for your marketing.” What? You mean my uniqueness is an asset I can utilize to set myself apart from others? This last comment shocked me. I had to think.
Can my difference be an asset?
I have overcome the challenges as an ESL. My English is very good now. Further, I have accepted my difference. I am an immigrant who came to America to have a new life, and I am proud of myself. But can I see my difference as an asset and really love it?
It is an interesting approach. I can sense this is the wise approach, but after spending so many years trying to speak like a native speaker, presenting myself as I am is a daunting task. Part of me is still afraid of ridicule. Part of me is confused to get used to the new way of seeing myself. And I am taking steps to reinforce this new approach…
I started attending Toastmasters meetings and made a few table topic speeches. I make it a point to speak to new people every day. Before I do this, I talk to myself, “It’s okay. I will be there, listen what other people have to say, and when I have something to say, I will say it, in my unique lovely way. I am Akemi.” I also started to write more about my real life challenges and share the lessons I learned the hard way in my blog.
Is my accent my unique asset? Can this be my sales point? I’m not sure yet. But I feel better about my difference now. I feel more at ease presenting myself as I am, speaking in my way.
We all have some unique qualities.
Looking back, I notice it wasn’t just my accent that I felt bad about. I felt shy about my quarks and distinctive experiences that made me, me. I tried to hide them in my attempt to be more “agreeable” to others, to be more like the typical person everyone seemed to like. By doing so, I have alienated large part of me. I was afraid people wouldn’t like me if they found out the real me with plenty of special features. . .
Here is my suggestion for those of you who are feeling the same way:
- Dare to stare at your differences. Maybe it is about your appearance. Or the way you do things. Or the creative ideas you stuff in yourself. Your quirky talents. Bring them out for yourself to see.
- Examine. Is the difference really negative, or is it just your perceived idea of “Being different is no good”? It may be helpful to ask for your friends’ opinions. Their response may surprise you.
- Think possibilities. The possibility that what you perceive to be your differences may be the very things that make you, you, the special you.
- Capitalize. This is an additional advanced step. Think if there are ways you can utilize your differences to your advantage, and try it out.
We are not manufactured goods. In manufacturing, products must have the same quality, must be within tolerance. But we are humans. There is a reason why there are so many of us on Earth, and yet each one of us are unique. It may be the very reason why you are here.
Contributing writer’s greeting:
Thank you, Albert, for the honor to contribute to The Urban Monk.
My blog, Yes to Me, is about implementing the positive changes in real life. Often, we find it difficult to break the old habit of thinking and acting certain ways even when we know better. As a professional coach, I offer insights and keep accountability for my clients. Please check my blog if you enjoyed the above article. Thank you.
Akemi Gaines
Editor’s Note
Thank YOU, Akemi for that article. I’m in the middle of several huge deadlines, both work and study wise, and was unable to stick to my planned blogging schedule. Akemi saved my life with this beautiful piece of work.
UrbanMonk.Net provides comprehensive articles for your personal development - modern life, entwined with ancient spirituality.
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42 Comments, Comment or Ping
jdw242b
surely in the 13 years that Akemi has been here she’s realized that due to the inadequate listening ability of most people that it could be said that it wasn’t her accent that got her coke instead of coffee. I’m US born and sometimes I get the wrong thing because judy teenager behind the counter is thinking about what party to go to this weekend, yet I pay for her mistake and laziness.
I’d say that communication exercises should be taught in the public schools so that we as a nation, regardless of our original homeland, can all communicate more effectively.
May 17th, 2008
Marc and Angel
This is some of the best advice a person could give. Our society is totally enthralled with removing personal uniqueness, both physically and mentally. Many people are ashamed to be unique or weird. I think weirdness is greatness.
Thanks for the wonderful article. I’ll surely be back again.
May 17th, 2008
B Smith @ Wealth and Wisdom
Thanks for the great post. We all need to embrace our unique traits. As I get older (and hopefully wiser) I find that society norms mean less and less to me. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wear my underwear on the outside. I just embrace my unique skills and perspective. I ask why often. I behave in accordance to my belief system.
May 17th, 2008
Andrea Hess|Empowered Soul
Great article, Akemi! I love the idea that we ourselves choose whether our uniqueness is an asset - or a limitation. Some people will think your accent makes you more sophisticated or more worldly. Others may think that, because you have an accent, you don’t understand them as well. But in the end, the only thing that matters is our self-perception, right?
By the way, I relate to your story - I came here from Germany at the age of eighteen. I learned English when I was only eight, so I did not have an accent. In many ways, it made things harder on me - people expected me to understand them and fit in perfectly. But so many pop-culture references meant nothing to me, and often I would be completely left out of conversation. Yet no-one cut me any slack! I watched a lot of TV those first few years, trying to assimilate into a new culture! At the same time, I think these experiences created a very different level of consciousness for me and have served me well.
In the end, only our own perception shapes our experiences. It’s wonderful that we get to decide how we want to view ourselves in the world!
Blessings,
Andrea
May 17th, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me
B Smith,
It’s a challenge to grow wiser at the pace we grow older, isn’t it. It doesn’t happen haphazardly — we need to consciously grow. I’m glad to hear that you have the courage to live according to your beliefs.
JDW,
HaHa. . . Communication is a tough subject to teach because it is not just about how we speak and listen. I took communication courses at Ohio Dominican University as part of my language education major, and learned that it boils down to cross-cultural understanding. By cross-culture, I don’t mean just internationals or ethnic groups. Gender and age groups form their own unique cultures. So are religious affiliations, education levels, incomes, sexual orientation. . . ultimately, each person has his or her unique culture.
I think one of the best things public schools can do is to teach some foreign languages. I don’t care if it’s Japanese or Chinese or Hindu. And it doesn’t matter if the students master the language or not. The point is that they learn, through experience, there are different perspectives, different way of seeing and thinking things. Learning a language of completely different origin can bring that kind of understanding.
Thank you all for checking out my article, and thanks again to the great host, Albert.
May 17th, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me
Andrea,
Exactly. Some people hear my accent and learn about my background, and they are impressed that I came from another country all on my own and made my way in this country. These are usually people who work hard themselves, and they see strength in me. On the other side of the spectrum, there are people who rejects me for the slightest accent. Often, they have strong accent themselves (I’ve seen many in the South - my accent is more Midwestern), and they live in their small world. These are their choices. My choice is how I see myself.
I didn’t think about the kind of challenges you had. . . You being a white woman (no visual clue to your background) and with no accent, people will surely assume you are born American. I understand how this made you feel isolated. . . well, if you wish, you could be a bit assertive of your legacy, I guess.
Marc,
Thank you. Mass media makes the world monotonous place — same kind of pretty faces, same kind of opinion. . . As a coach, I am always amazed how so many people hide their best qualities, thinking they are quirks. Part of my job is encouraging them to take another look and find ways to utilize their uniqueness. I’m glad you are aware of this social pressure.
May 17th, 2008
kirsten - circe's kitchen
Akemi, what a wonderful article! Thank you for reminding us that uniqueness is an asset. Finding satisfaction in life and work isn’t about standardization–it’s about bringing out what is best and unique in ourselves and developing it to its full capacity.
May 17th, 2008
Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D.
As an African American my difference is readily apparent to strangers before I say a word. My ethnicity alone has caused me to experience ridicule and rejection similar to what you experienced because of your English. I even hesitated to put my photo on my websites at first for fear I’d be judged and discriminated against before visitors even learned about my business.
In many of the activities I choose, the plays I attend and groups I join, I’m often the only Black, especially because I live in a majority white county. Talk about being different!
But I, too, have learned to accept and love my uniqueness.
May 17th, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me
Kirsten,
Exactly. I believe we are unique for a reason. Let’s have the courage to live fully with it.
Flora,
I didn’t quite realize Blacks still suffer from the sense of isolation. . . Are you sure people are not admiring your beautiful dark skin?
In terms of physical appearance, I have little issue with my yellow golden skin. (I even joke about men with “yellow fever”) The only time I get a bit turned off is when someone assume I’m a foreign-born just by my appearance — there are plenty of Americans with Asian ancestry, and how do they know I’m not one of them? Well, I’m not — I’m an immigrant — but please make sure rather than just assuming. . .
May 18th, 2008
Alex Kay
Akemi,
That really was a beautiful article.
Really great story, which both explains your point and why listening to you can bear fruit. You know what you are talking about.
I love the mindset of seeing “limitations” as possibilities.
Thanks for the sunday inspiration
Alex
May 18th, 2008
Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D.
Akemi,
OMG, I think many people believe this, even some young Blacks.
Some may well be admiring my beautiful black skin, my beauty and my talents. But the pain of discrimination runs deep in the veins of Blacks, as does the racism that allowed the undeserving to enjoy a false superiority by openly oppressing us for so long.
The systematic and deep discrimination Blacks suffered for over 300 years in America moved from being overt and supported by legislation to being subtle and more insidious.
Many Blacks avoid confronting discrimination by living and socializing only among their own people. I have been fortunate to have never been the victim of overt racial discrimination, but people make a whole flock of assumptions about me before they get to know me, just as they do with you.
As a matter of fact, when I meet new folks of other races they often throw a barrage of questions at me trying to figure out how to make me fit into a box that’s comfortable for them. They can easily see that I’m Black, but they can’t figure out why I like opera, how I got a Ph.D., why I signed up for an High Tea event, etc. While their questions could be innocent, it doesn’t feel that way to me when they ask things like:
–Where did you ever get the idea to go for a Ph.D.?
–You’ve heard of Handel’s Messiah?
–You have 4 children–are you a single mom? (I’m a widow)
A carpenter was recently putting in new doors and molding during our recent home remodeling. When he saw the dream pages we made with pictures from decorating and home magazines of all the features we liked for kitchens, patios and living rooms he asked, “Where did you learn to do that?”
Some will think I’m too sensitive, but I’m a pretty good communicator and reader of character. Some comments are innocent without any racist underpinning; others are not. I can tell the difference.
One sad example of how deep an imprint discrimination has made on Blacks is the fact that when my father was a resident in a nursing home he didn’t think we could go sit on the patio during our visit. When I asked him why, he said “That section is for white people only.” He was not suffering from Alzheimer’s, just a life time of hurt in his youth in the South, his service in the Army and his adult life.
I love my uniqueness, my ancestry, my people. It’s wonderful how easily Blacks can commune with Nature, music, and other accepting people.
I love the stories of slaveowners allowing their Black slaves to sing and worship because they thought it was harmless when in fact, they were plotting escape. How ingenious we are!
I also love our creativity, our determination and strength to overcome odds.
I have no issue with my black skin. But some others (not all) sure do.
May 19th, 2008
Samsara
Well that’s different.
I never thought of it like that ; That people say that to imply they dislike something. Wow. You’re right. [I discovered the truth of this by thinking over the times I heard people say, “That’s different!”]
Albert’s article states we have our own internal ideas of what we consider ourselves to be and that standard we align ourselves to. [Our integrity.]
I just wrote an article discussing the same idea; That some people seem to want conformity to *their* idea of *normalcy* and anything else is unacceptable.
Sensitivity in an Insensitive World discusses Highly Sensitive People [or mulsitsensories] and the struggle [I personally warred with] faced to try to be everyone’s perception of normal.
I believe wholeheartedly the solution lies within self-acceptance.
I am, however, grateful to my unique traits. I believe that had I not had them, my tolerance and acceptance for people different than me would be a shallow one-dimension view of a world of *shoulds.*
And along the same vein, people who do not readily accept the differences in other people, also have a hard time living up to their own barometer of self-acceptance. I have never met a perfectionist, for example, who ultimately did not accept herself.
Whenever I hear someone say, “I am such a perfectionist” - and they seem to say it with such false humility as if that is their worst defect - what I am really hearing is “I hate myself and the world around me so much that I need to get things ‘perfect’ in order to be okay with me.”
Self-acceptance = Accepting your mistakes, uniqueness, foibles, blemishes, past errors in judgement, ‘abnormalcy’ and shortcomings = A happy person
May 19th, 2008
Albert
Can I just say that I’m really enjoying the wisdom being shared right here in the comments!
May 20th, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me
Alex,
Thank you for your kind words. Please check my blog, Yes to Me, to read more of my articles. I have a lot more to say how we can live better.
Flora,
Well, I never experienced what you and other Black Americans went through, and I accept I don’t know everything.
I do know that we, each one of us, “create” our reality based on our own beliefs. For example, when someone does mean thing to me, I can spend all day thinking how wrong he is, and I can also make a blanket judgment to the group he may belong to, what his group may be thinking of my group, etc. or I can just say, probably to myself, “That wasn’t nice he did that.” and move on. I choose how I think and live, not they choose it for me.
How you got your Ph.D? By taking college courses, right? If a person doesn’t even know this, I’d rather just laugh off the whole thing, but of course, you decide how you want to handle the situation.
And if black Ph.D is so unique (now I don’t really think so, but let’s just assume so for the sake of discussion), I’d use that uniqueness to my advantage. So with the opera, etc. That’s the whole point of this article. I know, from experience, that shifting the perspective is challenging. So good luck.
Samsara,
Exactly. Also I appreciate you mentioned the issue of should’s. I wrote a post about it myself a few weeks ago.
Cute blog you have!
Albert,
You can say more than that ^_^
I love it when the comment section turns to a good discussion place! You have really good readers who love to share. I’m working on my blog to become such a good one, too, by writing quality posts and treating my visitors well . . . This has been a great learning experience for me.
Let’s do another JV soon!
May 20th, 2008
Albert
Akemi, definitely, let me know any time you have a spare moment, you’re always welcome here!
May 20th, 2008
Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D.
Akemi,
You’re right that you haven’t experienced my culture. That’s why I wanted to share the impact that past hurts have had on the present.
Like you, many believe that Blacks have so well assimilated into our culture that the promises of the Constitution have been fulfilled and that America is one big happy family. It’s certainly what we’re all striving for and though we have made tremendous progress, there are many areas that need our positive attention.
You’re also right that shifting my perspective is essential. I do laugh at the insecure and ignorant, and they come in all income and educational levels. They react the way they do not because they don’t know what is required to get a Ph.D., for example. Many are highly educated themselves. Their reaction is clearly a surprise that I have one.
The point of my comment was not to vent anger. I hope it didn’t come off that way. Because of common misconceptions, I needed to express what many Blacks feel and experience daily.
I’m thrilled with the way I’ve overcome challenges and crafted my life. I love America in spite of its flaws for the freedom and refuge it has provided for so many people.
I love the Internet for the opportunity to express our varying views and experiences in an accepting environment.
Fortunately I made some good choices and enjoy a happy life. Like you, I enjoy being unique. Thank you for emphasizing the importance of accepting and loving our own uniqueness.
Congratulations to you in shifting your perspective too. Continued blessings to you.
May 20th, 2008
Yvonne
Hello Akemi, Flora and Albert,
This is an interesting conversation.
I have two trains of thought on it. First, from my own experience I think how we see ourselves has a huge impact on how we are received by others - I grew up on a Scottish island where English was the official language, but we spoke in dialect with a strong accent. As a student I moved to the Scottish mainland and felt humiliated when people didn’t understand my accent. I gradually lost much of my original accent and used the dialect of my birth less and less. Yet not all islanders did this - one friend lived in Russia and still maintained his accent. Needless to say he didn’t feel the same sense of not being good enough that I did. After college I lived in London for a while, where my new Scottish accent sometimes met with incomprehension. I believed then that if people couldn’t understand me they would think I was stupid. Once I worked with two women who seemed “posh” to me, and so I believed they would look down on me, and when I spoke to them I reverted right back to my original voice, speaking in dialect, feeling totally stupid and embarrassed! I have no idea how these women really judged me, as I was so busy judging myself I never took the time to find out!
The other thing that might be of interest is an article I recently read in the Guardian newspaper. (link here: http://lifeandhealth.guardian......e_continue)
This article, among other things, describes research that found that women reminded before a maths test that men generally do better at maths than women performed worse in the test than women not told this, and that if black black school pupils are asked to fill out a form to indicate ethnicity they will score lower than if no form is required. Even if we don’t consciously believe that our race or gender affects our intelligence, something as simple as ticking a box can mean people respond to cultural stereotypes.
So on the one hand how we see ourselves affects how others see us, yet how others see us also affects how we see ourselves. I guess we’re all individuals and yet all linked together!
Flora, what you say about the internet being a way to express views and share experiences is so true, and I love that Albert and Akemi have provided the opportunity to have this conversation.
May 20th, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me
Hi Yvonne, hi all,
“how we see ourselves has a huge impact on how we are received by others” Yes! And the good news is that how we see ourselves is something we ourselves have a control of.
The test result you indicated is very interesting, but remember — they are talking about stats. A lot of women who are sold the “women are no good with math” idea may perform poorly because of the conditioning, but is that the case with all women? We don’t have to buy into that conditioning, do we?
Hmm . . . the issue is getting psychological — we may want to ask the great monk’s opinion. . . (Not that I’d buy even his opinion but because I’m curious what he has to say and I respect his opinion. . . Respecting someone’s idea is a completely different approach from blindly buying into an idea. . .)
May 20th, 2008
TripTheLady
i think the world would be a very boring place without uniqueness in personalities. i am very glad there is only one like me!
May 21st, 2008
MyHomeTomorrow.com
Uniqueness is great for everyone if he or she accept his or her own and put that in great use. When you look at great teams in sports, science, design, or companies, no 2 members are the same. Every member has his/her own uniqueness and it is being used at the right time and right place. More importantly, each member understand his/her role and is willing to step up when needed.
May 22nd, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me
Trip the Lady,
Exactly! Embrace your uniqueness.
My Home Tomorrow,
You make a great point about uniqueness in team work. Thank you.
May 23rd, 2008
hardy
everysingle person is unique. is a great point. comparing among others bring no good. bring out ourselve true virtue is the way to attracts others.
May 24th, 2008
Liara Covert
No such thing as a liability unless you fall into the trap set by ego that wants you to believe you lack. Uniqueness is widespread and interconnectedness is universal. Everyone doesn’t get that yet, but will…
May 25th, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me
Hardy,
Thank you for your comment.
Llara,
Thank you.
It is one thing to appreciate uniqueness in an abstract generalized manner, and quite another to do so in a specific case. My best wishes to you all.
May 26th, 2008
alex
Thanks for this inspiring article
- alex
May 26th, 2008
Nicholas (Conscious Flex)
Thank you for the article indeed!
I find that when I give to others (that which I wish to receive) than I have given it to myself as well. For example: say I wish for myself to be comfortable around people. In order for me to feel comfortable, I focus my attention on everyone in my perceivable reality and make sure they are comfortable. Doing so releases the focus off self and because everyone feels comfortable around me (because I focus on them feeling comfortable) then I naturally feel comfortable.
You can naturally give yourself anything, once you give it to others.
The way I make people feel comfortable is by putting myself in their shoes and treating them the way I would like to be treated. Of course this will not always work but 9 times of 10 it will let you know the people you desire to be around.
Thank you once again.
May 27th, 2008
Jeanie Marshall
Akemi,
Thank you for your powerful article, expressed from the heart and beautifully written. I always felt different growing up. Somewhere along the way the concept of “different” that separated me from others changed to the concept of “uniqueness” that seemed to be more unifying.
I think that some very simple phrases have embodied the magnificence of uniqueness, like “I am me.” Or the name of your own blog, “Yes to me.” Or quite simple, the power of … “I am.”
Blessings,
Jeanie
May 28th, 2008
Qaswer
For sure i like the uniqueness and love to be unique. More over our atmosphere imbibes everything of us including our personality but if we can make a difference then it is a big thing for me.
May 29th, 2008
Natural Healer
As you told uniqueness is an important factor for a successful person.I do want to become a successful Guy that’s why I prefer uniqueness.
Jun 1st, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me
Wow, even more comments! Albert really has wide readership, I guess.
Alex,
You are so welcome!
Nicholas,
Great point. I am in service business and when I focus on serving my clients, things flow so easily.
Jeanie,
Your comment is like the best compliment for my blog, Yes to Me. That is exactly what I meant in naming it — accepting and loving who I am. And I find that the way I say “Yes to me” is to let others say “Yes to me.”
Qaswer,
Absolutely. Good for you.
Natural Healer,
Good luck to you!
Thank you so much for everyone!
Jun 2nd, 2008
CFI Lesson Plans
That’s an intriguing article. When I was younger I thought there was something wrong with me because I felt like I was unique…or at that time I felt it was “different”. Over time I began to embrace who I was and now I wouldn’t change it for the world! The ironic thing is now, I’m pretty picky with who I become friends with because I get so annoyed by people who are really different from me in certain ways. Strange how things turn out. Great article!
Jun 5th, 2008
Albert
Thanks CFI, I’m sure Akemi will be glad to hear your compliment
Jun 5th, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me
CFI and Albert,
Yes, thank you. I used to feel that way, too, and I’m glad you have embraced your uniqueness.
Jun 6th, 2008
Everything Attitude
Great advice to embrace our uniqueness. So many people struggle with feeling they just don’t “fit in” and aren’t “normal”. Normal is completely in the eye of the beholder. The greatest achievers in the world did great things not being normal, by doing things their way, even when told they are crazy. People who are normal end up not being unexceptional. That is, if you even believe there’s such a thing as “normal”.
Jun 10th, 2008
Albert
Thanks Everything Attitude
Definitely, what is “normal”? If you think about it, even people who are “normal” are different… heh!
Jun 11th, 2008
Ethan @ Self Improvement Mentor
Good parents and teachers will usually raise children up to accept & love their uniqueness. However this is often easier said than done. Especially when society disapproves these differences, it is hard to see the benefits of your uniqueness.
A different perception is required for us to see the beauty of our uniqueness. Akemi’s suggestions are wonderful methods to do just that. Excellent and inspiring article. Thank you.
Jun 12th, 2008
Albert
Hey Ethan. Thanks for the compliments, I’m really proud to have Akemi’s article here, it is really well received.
Jun 12th, 2008
Jimy Wong
Nice article about yourself. Your english not so bad for a Japanese. I’m learning Japanese now. I had a Japanese girlfriend, that why i’m learning but we communicate in Mandarin. I been to Japan once and i like the culture there.
Jun 25th, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me
Everything Attitude,
That is a very encouraging comment. Thank you.
Ethan,
Exactly. I’m glad I made the point.
Jimy,
Japanese girlfriend? Oh watch out. . . ^_^
We are tougher than we look.
Thank you everyone, and sorry to take time to respond back. I am just so impressed with all the great comments here. Albert really has wonderful readers. I hope some of you are checking my blog!
Jun 26th, 2008
Eros
yap, with our unique style, the positive one of course..we can bless this world. Believe me we are deserved to love no matter what
Please accept this truth
Jul 24th, 2008
Reply to “Accepting and Loving our Uniqueness”
Do not waste your time. If you are promoting a product, keyword stuffing, or plain rude, your comment will simply be deleted. Opposing viewpoints are always welcome, but please keep it classy.
DoFollow. Due to all the spammers, comments are now only Dofollow after a secret number of entries.