Do you put a label on yourself? I do. Sometimes I catch myself saying, “I’m just a mom” or “I’m just a painter”. But when I think about these statements, I realize I’m putting myself in a box, categorizing myself as “just” one thing. The truth is we are all diamonds!! We are all multi-faceted works of art.
So why do we label ourselves at all? Why do we feel the need to say “oh I’m just a girl?” Is there some reason we feel the need to be humble, and give ourselves just one identity? Are we ever “just” anything? The answer to that last question is a resounding “NO!”
Each and every one of us is a special, unique, and beautiful creation. That in itself is amazing. There is no one else on the planet exactly like you. So to refer to yourself as “just” anything is simply crazy. And still we all proceed to do it. Perhaps it’s a female thing. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a man say, “I’m just a dad” or “I’m just a coach.” But, I’m sure it’s happened. I think sometimes we feel we need to downplay ourselves in the eyes of others. Perhaps, too, we could be having a less than spectacular day, and we just don’t feel all that stellar. For whatever reason we claim to be “just,” deep down we know we aren’t.
There’s nobody else who can decorate a cake, tend a garden, or soothe a crying baby quite like you. God gave you specific talents and gifts that no one else has. Your unique combination belongs only to you. I just read a daily inspiration by Joel Osteen that dealt with competition and self-image. He said that in God’s eyes there is no need to compete with others, or be jealous that someone is better at something than we are. God gave us our unique talents and gifts, and we must be grateful for them, and use them to the best of our ability. That’s what makes us special, and God loves it when we shine! Delight in the special qualities that make you, YOU!
When someone asks you what you do, don’t go with the humble, automatic response of “I’m just…” Instead, smile and throw away the label. Tell them there isn’t just one word to describe what you do. You have a profession, a passion, a whole list of loves, and you’re a diverse combination of talents and interests. Don’t ever let yourself go to the “just” response again. People are more interested in talking to someone who has a positive attitude, and an upbeat outlook. Even on those days when you don’t feel it, believe it!! You aren’t “just” anything!
You’re bright, vibrant, fun, intelligent, witty, spontaneous, outgoing, shy, multi-talented, serious, demanding, anxious, exciting, loving, positive, happy, gregarious, etc. etc. etc. No one is ever one thing. Remember that diamond I mentioned earlier? Think of yourself as an exquisite diamond, a true work of art, created by God, with many facets and angles. In some ways you shine, and in others you don’t, but the true beauty of you is that you are unique, and if you’re “just” anything, it would be “AMAZING!!”
TamiLoves…discovering the talent and gifts we all have to share.
