Dare to Be Yourself: Embracing Your Uniqueness

“You are not here to be like anyone else. The task is to recognize and cherish your difference.” James Hillman

Struggle – Feeling Out of Place

I’ve always lived in a more alternative way. Since I was a kid, I questioned things. I often felt like I didn’t understand the people around me and that I didn’t belong.

Not only was I a kid who didn’t behave, but I was a girl who didn’t behave. I struggled to stay focused at school. Even when I was being creative, I was punished for not following the script.

It was frustrating. For most of my life, I wanted to be like others. I didn’t want to be a weirdo.

Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in, even when you were just being yourself?

Exploration – Finding Your Place

But as I grew up—and later when I moved to Berlin—I found my place in the world. I started surrounding myself with people who, like me, had a need for self-expression. Slowly, I built the courage to embrace my differences.

I didn’t have a plan. I made choices based on opportunities that felt right, that sparked excitement. Over time, I learned not to listen to people who tell you to “be more like…”

Of course, we all need to adapt sometimes. We’re not floating islands; we’re humans living among humans. But there’s a difference between respecting others’ needs and blindly following society’s expectations.

When I talk with people I coach, I often hear: "When I tell my friends or family about my dreams, they say I should be more down to earth."

Find an easy job. Get stability. Commit to a career path so you can climb smoothly.

But what if that’s not you?

Another common thing I hear:

"So few people succeed—why do you think you will?"

Maybe that’s true. But how will you know if you don’t try? And what is success anyway? Maybe it’s simply doing something that brings you joy, even if it doesn’t pay that well. Maybe money is more important—that’s fair too—but the point is: you get to decide what matters.

What “shoulds” have you been following that aren’t really yours?

Empowerment – Embracing Your Spark

I remember my first Agile Team Coaching job. My desk was right behind the IT office, so everyone could see how I interacted with my team. In some environments, it probably wouldn’t seem professional (my team even called me “mom” back then).

But we had FUN.

One day, a colleague came to my desk and said:

"I’ve been observing you… I don’t know how it’s possible that your way of leading works, but it works!"

We are all different. We have unique strengths, unique talents. Trying to be like others is just silly. There’s beauty in being special.

So I encourage you: dare to be yourself. Explore. Experiment. Find what sparks you, what truly brings you joy.

 What would happen if you fully embraced your uniqueness today?

And, in a gentle way, I want to say: I’m here if you want to explore it further. Nothing would make me happier than supporting someone in creating a life where they can fully express themselves.