Values Quotes – Martha Graham on Uniqueness

Today’s quote is from Martha Graham, an American dancer and choreographer who was referred to as the “Picasso of Dance.”

A beautiful quote from Graham is:

“You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.”

What a powerful statement that underlines the value of uniqueness.

As a differentiating value, Uniqueness means radically distinctive and without equal; or highly unusual or rare.

Each of us is born unique. There are no two people on the planet exactly the same.  Even identical twins have distinctive fingerprints.

God also made you unique – and with a special purpose to fulfill.

Yet, if you spend all your time and energy trying to be like someone else, or trying to meet the needs of someone else, or trying to deliver on all the requests of others – you might miss your calling.

And that would be a real shame.

In fact, something important is lost if you don’t fulfill your unique calling.

If you’ve ever seen the Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, with Jimmy Stewart, you know exactly what I mean. The premise of the entire movie is that you are important. You are needed. Without you, many others would be adversely affected.

So, if you have ever questioned your uniqueness. Stop. And accept that you are unique.

And once you’ve identified your unique calling, I encourage you to embrace it with your whole heart. All of us are relying on you to fulfill it!

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Creativity-Uniqueness” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.