Willing to stand out

“You’ve got to be willing sometimes to stand alone. You’ve got to be willing to piss some people off. You’ve got to be willing to look different. Sound different. Be different. And those are risks that many of us are not willing to take.” ~Iyanla Vanzant

Human beings are wired to belong. We want to feel accepted by our family. We gravitate toward friends who share our lifestyle, moral standards, and viewpoints. We all need a tribe. Paradoxically, each of us also has a different set of experiences and personal opinions. As we mature, we value authenticity — and individuality — in ourselves and others.

Do you feel safe when you’re being “different” or expressing an opposing opinion? Are you respected or rejected by your peers? As today’s quote suggests, the willingness to stand alone takes courage — and many people aren’t willing to take that risk. How about you? ~CL