We were created to be unique, not one of a crowd. So why do we try so hard to fit in? Why is loving ourselves so hard?

“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”  – Coco Chanel

 

It’s funny how life works. As children, we are self-centered and can spare little time for others our own age. Over time, we develop an interest in our peers, which eventually leads to a desire to fit in with them. To be like them.

And then as we mature, we realize that stifling our uniqueness for the sake of conformity leaves us feeling insecure, unsatisfied, and empty.

How often have we seen a grandmother or great-grandmother who acts outrageously or marches to the beat of her own drummer? We think it’s cute or crazy, but what it really is, is a woman who has decided to be herself. She has seen the fallacy of conforming to others’ expectations.

You are unique, and therefore, beautiful.

You were created to be an individual unlike any other. Everything that sets you apart from the crowd was God ordained. He made you exactly as you are, even with the characteristics and quirks that seem like a mistake.

Do you snort when you laugh? Do the popular clothing styles make you feel awkward and self-conscious when you put them on? Does talking to groups make you break out in a cold sweat?

When we compare ourselves to the people around us, or to the ideal that is perpetuated by the media and even us, we can feel different, weird, and lonely.

How We Can Love Ourselves

Stop looking at others and wondering how you can replicate their look and attitude. Don’t try to be something different, conforming to the expectations of society as to what is beautiful, attraction, or interesting.

Look at yourself and realize that no one else can be like you. No one. You’re an original, and like artwork, that makes you valuable.

God made you just as you are because he has a unique purpose just for you. Only you can fulfill that purpose. Not the homogenous groups that we see in magazines and on TV, who act, look, and think the same.

You and only you can fulfill your God-given purpose, and to stifle your true and unique self, is to stifle God’s plan.

There is nothing more beautiful than self-confidence. Confidence in who we are, why we’re here, and what we are worth. Love yourself because you were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Love yourself because the God of the universe loved you first.

 

Looking for more encouragement and inspiration today? Check out these posts:

How Can Such an Awesome God Care About Me?

Why You Should Embrace Your Uniqueness

Wonderfully Made