Individuality marks a person’s identity. It is the quality or characteristic of a person that makes them unique, distinguished, or stand out from the rest. Individuality is often identified along with a person’s demographics. A person could be identified according to their age, gender, culture, affiliation, etc. But a person’s demographic profile does not automatically tell of a person’s true identity or unique individuality. Audrey A. Thomas’ book about personal transformation, Your Eyes Can’t See My Heart, talks about knowing a person through looking deep into their life’s experience. The demographics and standards that a person is brought up with at birth do not define a person’s individuality. Accepting a person’s passion or the willingness to change and grow defines a person’s uniqueness.
Significance of Individuality
There are many reasons why individuality is important, aside from the fact that it provides an identifier to the person. One of the significances of having individuality is that it encourages a person to go beyond the boundaries, get creative when coming up with ideas or solutions, or get innovative. Realizing one’s uniqueness also meant realizing their capability. Getting in touch with their true nature sets them free from whatever boundaries or stereotypes are given to them at birth or by their peers.
For instance, a child grows up and adapts to their family’s culture, values, and beliefs. These cultures, values, and beliefs are what the child automatically knows to be true and correct since these were practically spoon-fed to them when they were born. As the child grows into adulthood, little by little, they begin to realize their distinctive traits, their distinct likes and dislikes, than that from their own family and peers as the child starts to explore the real world. Being free from these given perceptions and developing their own gives a child or a person to explore their individuality, which ultimately connects to their passion. This acceptance of who they are ultimately giving them the confidence that they need to go out of their way and get creative with whatever they’re passionate about.
Recognizing one’s own identity also leads to a happier life. Rather than living a life of happiness defined by their family, peers, or society, individuals who have accepted their uniqueness are happy by choice and are not bound by any set of rules on how to be happy. They live their life by their rules, and society’s approval does not constrict their choices.
Transforming Into One’s True Self
Identifying one’s individuality requires transformation, a personal transformation. Transformation begins with a choice, awareness that something needs to change and that change is imminent. By going through a personal transformation, the person can discover and achieve their unique characteristics. Personal transformation is when a person expands their consciousness, becomes aware of old and new perceptions, and identifies which perceptions to integrate that best fit their views. It involves letting go of old norms and values to inculcate the new norms and values that best suit their passion.
To undergo a personal transformation, a person needs to be ready to explore and embrace the strangeness of the situation brought about by the change. It is about getting used to something they’re not accustomed to, as with their old life. To change is to be ready to get uncomfortable, and that includes being willing to accept criticism, both the good and the bad, that always comes with change.
Taking small but sure steps is another way to undergo a personal transformation. After all, a personal transformation is somewhat akin to a drastic change, so the only way to go about it is to take small but progressive steps. Another way to a personal transformation is to learn from the experience of others. Experience is the best teacher. So learn from people who were able to effectively follow through with making a change in their lives, what steps they took, and the outcome of those actions. There are a lot of success stories out there who made a significant change in their life which will keep a person planning to go through a personal transformation inspired and motivated.
To love one’s individuality is the person’s personal choice to make. It should be a decision that should stem from a passion and a need to be recognized for who they are and what they are capable of. To do so is to start with a transformation, a change, and a belief that transforming is worth the risk and is the best risk to take.
The Happy Hammock 