Lessons for a father - One In 7 Billion

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We are about to get into a new year. For some of us this is the time of new year resolutions. We will, perhaps, try to be better, faster, stronger and smarter in the new year. This holiday season and the new year will also give us an opportunity to introspect and make sure we are at least on the path to where we want to be.

Let us, then, look at ourselves as we are. We represent ourselves through a very layered means. We are a species and a gender. We are the people of a nation. We have a language (or in some cases multiple languages) that we use to communicate. We have the color of our skin. We have a certain height and a certain weight. We have a name. But that is just the obvious bit.

In addition we also have our dreams and ambitions. We have our values, our accomplishments and our challenges. We have our beliefs and our stories. 

Our sum total is what we are and what we want to be. That is what makes us, us. The definition of "me", for anyone, is so complex and nuanced that it is impossible to create another of that. 

Think about it. Is there anyone else in the world, in a large group of more than 7 billion people, that has the same story as you? No, I wouldn't think so. What does that make us then? It makes us unique and one of a kind.

We do ourselves a disfavor when we compare ourselves to someone else. They have their own stories to live through. We are writing and living through our own.

In the new year, among other things, let us make a commitment. Let us continue getting better and doing what needs to be done but not at the loss of our true self. All of us have a purpose and turning ourselves into something that we are not, and losing our uniqueness in the process, is not going to fulfill our purpose. 

In the meantime, have a great new year and I hope the new year brings you peace, prosperity, and above all else, the strength to be you.