To Be Yourself

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

I found this little fella just doing its own thing. Growing slowly and patiently from the trunk of a tree. It was one of many on this tree's trunk, but this little guy was on its own. Separated from the pack, blazing a trail of its own. That is what drew me into creating this image. This single frond set out to do its own thing. To claim its spot in the sun, literary. 

It can be scary to do your own thing, to not follow the crowd. But it is important, I think, not to lose a sense of self. To know what interests you, and to follow that, to find out where it may lead. Even if you do that thing for yourself, it is yours, it is a part of who you are, it is part of what makes you, you. 

Each of us has our own uniqueness. No matter how big or small, it is an important part of our lives, and we should nurture it. This sense of self is what allows each person to stand out from the crowd. Being yourself may be one of the most important things that any person can do. Being yourself is the best gift you can give to the world. There is, after all, only one of you, so go be the best you you can be.

Just like my new friend here, growing in its own patch of light.