Affirming INDIVIDUALITY and AUTHENTICITY

Yesterday we visited our niece at Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. Walking around campus, I was intrigued by the students and their dress. One of the special adventures of higher education, especially at small private colleges, is the journey to discovering self. The young adult is away from home and learning the responsibilities that independence and thinking on her own can bring, can shed who she was and become whoever she chooses to be!! It's a time to truly get comfortable in her skin and know her unique individuality. When we talk about the ten elements of relationship building, Authenticity is one of the factors. It's all about being genuine.
In her book, Life Lessons, Elisabeth Kubler Ross talks about authenticity. "Deep inside of us, we know there is someone we were meant to be. And we can feel when we're becoming that person. We seek to discover who we are and how we can become truly happy. We were put here on earth to learn our own lessons."
Today I choose to affirm Aileen, a junior at Goucher College, who dares to affirm the individual she is and live an authentic life. When I showed a European friend these pictures, he wanted to know if she was dressed for a festival? I said that no, she was dressed for her life for the day and loving every minute of it.
Now, I am thinking about that bag of ties upstairs in my 'project' closet. Hmmmmm.
My message to you...it is important to BE who you are meant to be, express yourself as the unique individual you are, and live life to the fullest. Remember, TODAY is the gift of the precious present!