We are all different. Let’s face it. Every single one of us is different in a variety of ways: a difference which represents itself in a complex myriad of variety. With intricacies that show themselves in our characters and personalities, even in the slightest, smallest forms.

 

We, the human race, are all so very different and special that we should appreciate that fact and respect each other for it. We all have different backgrounds: tastes in clothing and music, views on politics or religion, different perspectives, simple and complex varieties of self-expression; we obviously group together with friends according to certain interests, beliefs, fashion sense, musical taste, sport preferences, or even hobbies. But we are still all totally unique. And whilst it may sound silly to say (or write), difference is something that should be celebrated, not ignored or beaten down and got rid of. We have different ways of formulating identity and our sense of belonging:different talents, different gifts, different hopes, different fears, different crosses to bear and different life challenges. Different everything. If we were all the same, then it would be utterly boring.

 

There would no creativity, no imagination, no chance to be ourselves because we’d all be the same; there would be no chance for self creation, structuring of identity, or the chance to be unique and original. I’d personally be bored stiff! Narrow mindedness is not for the strong or those who seek improvement. We are all human and should all be equal, but in terms of what we can bring to the table, we are truly not the same in any way.

 

Difference is colourful and draws out the best in us. If you take art for example, there are different styles and techniques within painting, and therefore painters produce such a variety of culture. No one painter is the same, just like people. Painting with energy and passion at a frenetic pace, or painting calmly with patience and intricate detail all produce various results; painting on the streets or for art galleries, or even painting with words by writing skilfully also achieve the appreciation they deserve because of difference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They say a picture paints a thousand words anyway! If for example, you take sport. Messi can’t and doesn’t play like Ronaldo, considering these are the two best players in the whole world right now. Techniques and styles of taking a free kick, and ways to dummy and deceive the goalkeeper, or the uniqueness of the silky creativity and ball skill of Neymar, are all things that cannot be easily replicated. These are just examples of the multitudes of possibilities aided by difference.If developed and utilised effectively, difference can help you carve out your own niche and marker in a world of similarities.

 

If you stick to what you’re good at and you make yourself into what you are supposed to be with your specific talents and unique individuality: you use what you have and you become the person that you were born to be. That’s it in a nutshell really! Although, obviously, mastering difference is not that simple. You have to put it into practise, which can sometimes lead to bullying, resistance, spite or ridicule. Such problems can leave you feeling out of place at a time that is especially difficult as a teenager because we are trying to work things out: who we are and what we identify as, and thus defining your individuality requires great levels of self determination and belief. Despite the possible problems, perfecting your individuality is always worth it in the end. What constitutes difference anyway?

 

The word implies a notable change or effect, or to diverge: meaning to go along a different path. Some of us stick out like a sore thumb wherever we go, but enjoy that! Even if we may share things in common, none of us is truly a carbon copy of another; we may find differences in attraction and be attracted to people very different to us, but share characteristics like gung-ho confidence and an appreciation for life. So, when it comes down to it, it is not good to take away difference; if you are comfortable in your skin and comfortable with who you are, life is generally much easier for you and you’ll probably feel more at peace with the world, and yourself (not in some spiritual mystic way, just in terms of appreciating life). Don’t change for anyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you pretend to be something you’re not, people will quickly clock the deception and judge you for it. Be comfortable with who you are. Nope, it’s not easy. Definitely not, but it is better to be happy with who you are than live with a lie about something you’re not. Never judge a book by its cover, if you do the chances are you’ll get your judgement wrong, and you’ll end looking quite silly! Individuality should not be bullied out of us; don’t bother being anyone else, as you can only be who you were born to be, who you were made as, and it’s impossible and unfair for anyone to ask anything else of you. So just stick to being you and make sure you do it with aplomb.

 

Who cares about the outcome, so long as you try your hardest? Difference is what makes US. Difference is what makes us who we are. Difference defines us; it makes us, develops us, and betters us. It’s not important how much money you earn, what car you drive, your job or status in the world: it’s who you are that counts. Call me blind or stupid, but in the game of life the only losers are those that cannot accept the greatness of humanity and its differences. A more grounded person with deep rooted understanding and salt of the earth perspective will do better than someone who cannot handle the pressures of success.

 

If you give anything, give it your best. Nothing else matters; it is up to you to realise the qualities you have, to see the positives, not the negatives that the world may have gifted you with. You are great, and it is important to remember that. Plus, you may just be surprised about what you can give to the world! It sounds silly, but it is oh so true. Be different and love being so. I don’t think there’s any other way of putting it.