Did anyone see the Academy Awards ? I titled this post after a statement made by a screenwriter named Graham Moore during his acceptance speech for the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay,” The Imitation Game”. I said and I quote, ” So in this brief time here, what I wanted to do was say this: When I was 16 years old, I tried to kill myself because I felt weird , I felt different and I felt like I didn’t belong. And now I’m standing here and so I would like this moment to be for this kid out there who feels like she’s weird or she’s different or she doesn’t fit in anywhere. Yes, you do. I promise you do. Stay weird,stay different and then, when it’s your turn, and you are standing on this stage, please pass the same message to the next person who comes along. Thank you so much.”
I found his words both inspiring and empowering. He positioned himself as a role model for what is possible for the countless number of us who struggle daily to embrace their true selves. Individuals who live out each day in silent agony crippled by the fear of rejection and judgement. Each one of them unique and talented in their own special way as we all are. Although strides have been made in supporting diversity and inclusion, there is still room for growth. It is my opinion, that there is no more nobler task than to discover and embrace your true self. How many times have we heard or read about the importance of loving one another? Remember Sunday school? (That is, if you grew up “in the church”). I have also heard the question asked “How can you truly love someone if you don’t love yourself?” I agree. Self love and self acceptance are necessary for full expression of ourselves. Full self expression is directly connected to enlightenment. In Buddhism, enlightenment is defined as awakening. You might ask yourself, “Awakening to what?” I define true enlightenment as awakening to your true self and embracing it. Enlightenment is not only limited to embracing our unique selves, but also the unique qualities of others around us. Each one of us is a different aspect of the whole originating from the Source of all things.
Picture what a true enlightened society would look like. Imagine a society where all people were embraced for who they truly are. The first step is tolerance The second step is acceptance. Embrace is the ultimate goal. In a civilized society, no one should ever feel that they don’t belong. There are no “mistakes” walking the earth . If there has ever been a time in your life that you felt that you didn’t fit in, count yourself blessed. You are among the many individuals throughout history who embraced themselves in order to find the courage to share their unique genius with the world. Consider yourself part of an “elite class”: Albert Einstein, Leonardo DaVinci, Thomas Edison, Temple Grandin, and so on…. Let’s not forget those of us who stayed courageous and true to themselves without receiving public notoriety. There are too many to count. If we are all truly connected, one persons thoughts and actions effect all others. You deciding to express yourself fully potentially inspires each person on this planet to do the same. Imagine what that would look like. Being authentic is practically synonymous with being enlightened. Let’s make a pact to be our true beautiful, unique selves.Stay weird , stay different. Most importantly , stay true. Until next time.
P.S. Check out my videos on You Tube : Todd Lee/Life Coach/Motivational Speaker.
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