Creativity and discovery,  Originality,  Quotes about authenticity

What’s your trademark?

“We are all weird in some way….Most of the time it’s what makes us so incredible. So where’s your will to be weird? Where’s your resolution to be real? Celebrate your individuality and don’t be embarrassed by it. If you’re lucky enough to have something that makes you different from everybody else, don’t be ashamed and don’t hide it. Own it!” ~Marc Chernoff, Marc & Angel Hack Life

Most people cringe at the thought of appearing “weird,” so I struggled to express my thoughts on today’s quote.

But then I remembered the idea of having a “trademark” — which was a recent topic in a daybook we’re reading in my “Aging with Grace & Courage” group. A trademark isn’t necessarily a weird thing. But it’s something that sets us apart; a character note that people remember about us. Your trademark might be your hair color, your collection of blue suede shoes, an unusual nose, your legendary talent for repairing cars or computers, or the fact that you walk 10 miles every day. (You can have more than one trademark, by the way.)

Some folks waste a lifetime trying to fit in or conceal the traits, talents, or quirks that make them wonderful. Would you rather own your authenticity or cling to your conformity? What’s your trademark? ~CL

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Throughout my career, I've worked as a book production editor, travel magazine editor, features writer, and weekly newspaper columnist. My award-winning lifestyles features and essays have appeared in many national magazines and anthologies, including Newsweek, Reader's Digest, The Christian Science Monitor, Writer's Digest, Victoria, Better Homes & Gardens, Bella Grace, and more. My weekly Sunday "Life Lines" column ran for 14 years in The Daily Tribune (Royal Oak, MI) and won a First Place (Local Columns) award from the Michigan Press Association. My essay collection, Writing Home, includes 93 previously published columns and essays focusing on parenthood and family life.

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