One of the most difficult challenges I face is being my unique self, especially as a quiet introvert. I’ve felt pressure to post on social media and get myself out there as a teacher, but that is not my comfort zone. So I’ve tried to be an extrovert because that seems much cooler than I am, but this feels inauthentic. I realize how much of this belief that what I have to offer is not very exciting is because of my comparison to others. When I make this comparison, I feel less competent.
Social media has created even more pressure to look perfect and exciting. There is a need to be perfect to survive public scrutiny. But when you try to change to meet another’s approval, you give up your you-ness to appear perfect.

We all have different gifts and unique talents. You got these gifts for a reason; pull them out of the box and use them. Sometimes I feel like I got five pairs of socks, and everyone else got a shiny new bike. Socks may be outside the cool gift category, but they are practical and convenient when needed. I’ve learned to embrace my role as the organizer, the behind-the-scenes person who keeps everything running. But I’m also learning that it’s ok for me to take the spotlight occasionally.

You may want more flashy gifts to share, but you have your talents because someone needs what you authentically offer. To someone else, your abilities might be essential.

Practice being yourself to create in this world as only you can. So pull out those gifts, the socks, or whatever you tossed into the bottom drawer, try them on and rock them out.