You Are Special
| I was shocked Do you realize how special you are? What makes you truly unique? I just realized I might not know. Maybe I’m not the only one feeling this way. Perhaps you don’t realize how special you are, either! This weekend, I visited an art exhibition. I was talking with a friend before leaving, and she mentioned an artist to keep an eye out for. She said she knew her and her art, and suggested I stop by to say hello. So I did! While walking around, I was struck by the vulnerability of all the artists. Each booth showcased one-of-a-kind art created from the heart, and they stood there as strangers looked it all over. That’s so brave! Maybe that’s a story for another time. As I explored, I looked for the artist my friend mentioned. When I found her booth, I approached and introduced myself. We chatted for a while about her work, her visit to New York, and about people—one of my favorite topics. Then, I continued exploring. On my way out, I circled back to say goodbye and let her know how lovely it was to connect. As we parted, she said, “You are one of the kindest people I have ever met.” I thought, ‘Who? me? what?’ Luckily, I didn’t say that out loud. Instead, I put my hands on my heart, took a deep breath, and said, “Wow, that is an amazing compliment. Thank you!” She gave me a hug, and we both went on with our days. |
| An amazing compliment! As I left the building, I turned to my friend and said, “What an amazing compliment. I can’t believe she thinks I’m one of the kindest people she’s ever met.” My friend responded with a bit of sass and said, “Of course. Have you met other people?” Then she laughed. My eyes began to water as confusion washed over me. Was this a genuine compliment? Was it not an exaggeration? Could it really be true? Reading my expression, my friend stopped walking and turned to me. She was shocked that I didn’t already know this about myself. I know I’m kind. I know I teach others to be kind. I help families foster kindness in their homes. I help businesses operate with more kindness. I understand that it’s an essential value to me. I didn’t realize that this made me unique. I hadn’t considered how rare my commitment to kindness really is. I’m working on letting it soak in—not just that I am kind, but that my kindness is special, unique, and my gift. |
| Golden Nuggets of the Week: 1. Everyone has a unique gift. What is yours? Do you know what it is? Do you realize how special it is? If you do, I’m here to celebrate you! Let me know what it is, and I will do a happy dance just for you! If not, ask your friends and loved ones. They may see gifts in you that you overlook. It’s easy to assume everyone else does the same things you do, but that’s not true. You have a unique gift, and it makes the world a better place! 2. Tell others about the magic you see in them! I am so grateful to Caleigh. She didn’t realize she was saying something so profound to me. She was simply giving me a compliment. I wonder if she has thought about that moment since. Her sharing that reflection of me has opened my eyes. Be brave enough to share compliments and tell others about the magic you see in them. You might think they already know, but maybe they don’t. Even if they do, it’s always nice to hear our greatness reflected back to us! 3. Remember, you don’t know what other people think about themselves. I’ve talked to a few friends about this moment. They were all surprised that I didn’t realize how special my kindness is. They all assumed I knew. It’s not about confidence or self-esteem—I do feel pretty good about myself. Maybe I overestimate others. Maybe it’s because I look for the good everywhere. I didn’t know. Remember, you don’t know what someone else is thinking, and perhaps that means you can give them a bit more grace in the world. 4. Curious about Caleigh’s art? Just in case you’re wondering who the artist is that inspired this letter, here’s where you can find her work – www.CaleighParsonsArt.com |
| One step at a time I remind myself every day that kindness is my superpower. I do this in several ways: – By sharing this story. Hearing others’ responses helps me realize that I am the only one who didn’t see how extraordinary my kindness is. – I’ve put a post-it note on my computer with the words ‘Kindness is my superpower.’ This serves as a reminder. – Several times a day, I say to myself, ‘My kindness is unique,’ or ‘My acts of kindness make the world a better place,’ or ‘Kindness is one of my defining traits.’ This reinforces the truth. – Working with my therapist. 🙂 Many of us have negative thoughts running through our minds all day. Taking time to build positive reminders about ourselves is important. What step will you take to remind yourself of how impactful you are in the world? You may already know your superpower and can practice reminding yourself. You may need to ask some friends what they see as your goodness. Maybe you want to create a different positive perspective—that’s great too. I’m sure that if I have this blind spot, others do as well. There is some way that you don’t see your own magic, your own greatness, your own beauty. Decide today to take just one step toward remembering your own amazingness! |
| Happy Connecting, Dr. Marcie |
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