Just like there are no two identical trees in a forest, there could not be two identical people, an old friend of my parents used to say. That was his way of encouraging us to be different and celebrate our uniqueness.

Every time I notice a tree growing outside of a grid – similar to this one in the enchanting Kortright Centre for Conservation – I can’t help but smile and remember Pan Soboń (“Pan” means “mister” in Polish). While he might not be with us anymore, his simple, yet profound life wisdom still lives with us.

Pan Soboń had a gift for storytelling and simplifying complex concepts. Each one of his stories – and there were many – was a lesson in disguise. A masked opportunity to share one of his insights, to encourage us to raise above the difficulties and pettiness. He’s life wasn’t easy. But despite the obstacles – and there were many – he always maintained positive attitude. I wish I had a fraction of his optimism.

I was a little girl when I heard this saying for the first time. Initially, I thought he referred only to the physical attributes. It took me a while to understand that the true uniqueness starts with embracing the gifts and talents we have and sharing them with the world.

We are meant to be different. This planet would be a boring place if filled with legions of identical people. Marching to the same drum.

Recently I came across the post from the Reflect Team on how they see being different and why it is so important to be proud of one’s individuality.

Every human being that has ever lived, or ever will live, is unique. (…) we, as humans, share the usual bits and pieces that most of us have in common, such as certain essential body parts — a head, a heart, a brain, and so on. But the similarity ends there.

Your life experiences thus far have made you the person you are today. (…) Combination of everything that you have learned and the various things that you have done that make you truly different from everyone else on this planet. Others may share some of your talents and abilities, but there is no one who is identical to you.

Please read the full post “Dare To Be Different – Why Being Unique Matters.”