| Many years ago English bard William Shakespeare | | | | as a collection of individuals that are pursuing their |
| wisely penned the words: "This above all: to thine | | | | paths rather than trailblazers to be badly emulated. |
| own self be true." In these days of celebrity culture | | | | Next, make time to listen to your inner self, that little |
| and reality TV their relevance has never been | | | | voice within that tells you where you really want to |
| greater. | | | | be. Look out for your natural talents, interests, |
| Though we each originate from a single source, | | | | attractions - these are the signposts that mark the |
| remain part of that source, and shall some day soon | | | | way. |
| return from whence we came, we are all unique | | | | Equally important is truth within yourself. Often |
| individuals. We come in different shapes, sizes and | | | | through embarrassment or whatever we can find it |
| skin colors. We are born into and conditioned by | | | | difficult to admit our failings (or the reasons for |
| different cultures and family conditions. We all have | | | | them) even to ourselves. Re-inventing the present or |
| different personalities, talents, weaknesses... This is | | | | past might avoid some temporary discomfort, but |
| part of the miracle of being, and forms our very | | | | prevents us addressing what most needs our |
| purpose. For all our differences point to different life | | | | attention, and ultimately creates far greater future |
| paths, and different lessons to learn. | | | | discomfort. Our inner dialog is rightly private, and |
| With its glossy magazines, multi-channel TV, and that | | | | while we ought show our best face to the world our |
| marvelous but double-edged sword that is the | | | | very progress depends on complete honesty within |
| Internet, modern society bombards us with images | | | | ourselves. |
| of what we "ought" to be. Fashions and fads come | | | | Beware too that others don't distract you from the |
| and go, today's hip celeb is tomorrow's has been. | | | | path of self-integrity. There are those that feign |
| There's so much pressure to model ourselves on | | | | friendship but in reality mean only to use your will to |
| what's cool this moment. But isn't all this missing the | | | | further their own ends. Learn to distinguish them |
| real point. You're each born to be yourself, and | | | | from real friends, and those in genuine need. Don't |
| whatever that may be, it's certainly different from | | | | waste energy by fighting or resisting them, simply |
| everyone else. | | | | walk away. Should you find it within yourself, offer a |
| It can be hard to find one's true identity or purpose | | | | thought for these troubled souls. |
| among all the mass conditioning from friends and | | | | Don't let the above prevent you benefiting from true |
| media alike. Indeed, the discovery of purpose and its | | | | role models. These are folk known to you or |
| subsequent pursuit is possibly life's hardest challenge, | | | | otherwise who inspire by example. Human history has |
| with so many temptations to deviate. But it's also | | | | many examples. Don't try to become them - first, |
| just about the most useful and satisfying thing we | | | | they are they and you are you, and second, closer |
| can undertake. | | | | examination will surely reveal they too have their |
| So, how to begin? First, learn to tune out the noise. | | | | flaws. But do allow their achievements to shine like a |
| You don't need to become a square or recluse and | | | | beacon guiding you along your own unique journey to |
| can still indulge in all the latest celeb gossip, just see it | | | | be yourself. |
