Uniquely The Same
That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. What in the world could this possibly mean?
Uniquely the same? Those two words just do not go together. Unique is just that - it’s not similar to anything else.
Hear me out for a minute. Earlier this month I sent out an email to you subscribers touching on this very idea. The more I thought about the phrase the more I wanted to expand on it and share with you guys. Through conversations, a couple of podcast episodes on The Little Things, and the information circus we’re consuming day in and day out there seems to be an underlying theme buried under all of it.
That underlying theme is comparison.
We’re not just talking about comparison for the sake of argument. A good example of this would be The Greatest Basketball Player Of All Time versus LeBron James debate.
What we’re really talking about is daily comparisons that truly affect everyday life. Both ourselves and others expect so much out of us. I’m all for striving towards goals and achievements - on our own accord. If the goals, achievements, and job titles you’re after are for others or are going to determine “success” for you then you may need to reevaluate.
That’s where a lot of us can get into trouble. We’re after things and we don’t even know why. Expectations are placed on us by society, managers, relationship partners, or even close friends. We’re being influenced in numerous ways and can often feel overwhelmed. We don’t feel like we’re living a great life because someone you’re following on social media posts such extravagant things. We’re struggling at work because we need to hit this quarter’s goal or else. After that promotion? Make sure the added work, time, and money will be worth it after a few hugs and a happy hour.
Again, I’m all for goals and working towards something. I am this very moment. We all are in some compacity. Just make sure what you’re working towards is for YOU.
So, how are we uniquely the same?
One of the things I love, because we bring so many different things to the table, is how each of us is truly one of one. There is literally, obviously, no one else identical to you. We are unique.
One of the other things I love, because we bring so many different things to the table, is what we share in experiences. Although our experiences are different in detail they all bring us through similar things - joy, love, excitement, laughter, fear, pain, heartache, loss, and countless others.
Our successes, our struggles, our triumphs, and our tragedies are all connected. They are in different contexts and involve numerous variables but ultimately produce similar outcomes and emotions.
We don’t need to - we can’t - compare because we are all on our own personal journey. Your story is so unique and different that it’s not worthy of comparison. Remember that the next time you look at the lavish social media influencer, your coworker who is crushing, the Joneses at the end of the street in the big blue house, or your best friend who seems to have it all figured out. They aren’t you. Their circumstances are different than yours. Their path likely looks like the complete opposite of yours.
And yet the distinctive path you are taking - along with the path the Joneses have taken - are both filled with the same fortunes, setbacks, questions, and decisions. We all go through the good. We all go through the bad. There are the dark moments. There are the moments of complete bliss. And everything that comes in between.
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All that I urge us to do is remember - as unique as each of our stories are - others have been through similar situations. Don’t compare, don’t judge, and don’t chase others. Be there for them. Reach out to them. It is indeed your story but if you are willing and able - it can be used to help serve and connect with those who may find it useful.
Individual stories, shared experiences.
Uniquely The Same
theitsjustjakeblog@gmail.com