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One important quality we all have in common is our uniqueness, yet we try so hard to suppress our individual traits when they should in fact be celebrated.

In my experience I have found that many people find it easy to throw negative labels at others for not conforming to certain stereotypes. A refusal to conform may win you title of rebel,' eccentric' or just plain weird.'

To me this is an utter travesty.

No matter how hard you try to maintain your individuality, people will always categorize you to make it easier to identify what you are and into which pigeonhole you fit. It is not dissimilar to scientists who categorize plants and wild animals to decode their properties, traits and uses in the world. Society has taken to using the same level of analysis as a platform to decide how to approach another person. Not so unpleasant on a superficial plane, but on a deeper level, I think this can be quite ill-mannered and even quite dangerous if the prognosis is inaccurate.

Points to remember:

1. Take labels with a pinch of salt,
2. Celebrate your individuality,
3. Concentrate on the bigger picture,
4. Maintain your own centre and try not to let the judgments of others effect
you,
5. If an individual is so quick to label you, it says more about them than it
does about you.

I love the fact that I'm beer swilling Opera fan and eclectic music-loving film buff, who left university with a Law degree to work in a clothes shop; subsequently left a well paid job with a city firm to follow an ethically pleasing, spiritual path.

I draw enormous strength and courage from my individuality.

Rebellious, eccentric or unconventional, call me whatever you want but I intend to die happy knowing that I followed my own individual lifestyle (not hurting anyone else of course!)

Isn't that ultimately what life is about?

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