You are unique; the only you that will ever be…

You are UNIQUE, you see? You are the ONLY YOU that will ever be.

One of the most beautiful things I’m finding with age is the confidence in my own skin. Is knowing that I’m perfectly unique. Understanding that my history, my quirks make me interesting. They make me valuable.

I’ve held the shaking shoulders of childhood friends as they grieved the loss of a parent.

I’ve stood by dear friends as they walk the heart-weary roads of prayer and science to start or grow their families. And I walked that road myself, twice.

I’ve cried in awe and wonder over a sticky, squishy, just taken their first breath of air in my arms human.

I’ve been the tween uncomfortable in my skin, finding comfort and acceptance in fresh baked bread and chalupas 🌮

I’ve been the one standing on the outside, praying to be noticed in the reflection and accepted, to be offered an open door.

As an adult, and a molder of new humans, I pray that my history lends strength to my heart and a firm foundation to my mothering.

I realize now that my village doesn’t need to be large. That having quality time and memories with the ones who live deep in the trenches of life with me is far more important than lots of little blip in time moments with a variety of people.

In this one precious and finite life we’re gifted; the only thing that matters is love. Love shown to yourself, love shown to others. Love received deeply and gifted without fear or expectations.

Embrace what makes you uniquely you. Share yourself boldly with the world.

You are UNIQUE, you see? You are the ONLY YOU that will ever be.