If you’re new to this podcast, I’m so glad you’re here. One of the things I’ve shared in prior episodes is that I have been managing a bone marrow cancer diagnosis since 2002—that’s 23 years and counting. It’s been a journey filled with highs and lows, but right now, I’m in a good phase where my blood levels are stable. Even so, I still check in with my doctors regularly, staying in a watch-and-wait phase to monitor my health.
During a recent doctor’s visit, a new physician assistant looked over my medical history and, with curiosity, remarked, “You’re quite interesting.” That moment sparked today’s conversation about what it means to be different, to not fit the mold, and to embrace that uniqueness as a strength.
In this episode, I share why I’ve taken a different approach to my health and how it’s worked for me, along with the importance of celebrating what makes you unique rather than seeing it as a setback. I talk about how we can find connection and community even when our experiences don’t perfectly align, as I’ve discovered through my involvement with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
I also explore how breaking patterns can lead to new discoveries and perspectives, and why innovation often comes from those who challenge the norm. Most importantly, I reflect on the power of self-trust and the freedom that comes with honoring your own path instead of following what’s expected.
Whether it’s in health, career, or personal growth, we all have moments where we deviate from the standard—but can we embrace it? Can we see it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle? Today’s wise walk invites you to reflect on where you’ve stepped outside the norm, how it’s shaped your journey, and where you might want to break the mold next.
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- Where in your life do people say, “Oh, you are quite interesting!”
- When they say it, what is your emotional or energetic reaction?
- Do you feel taken aback because they are differentiating you from the norm?
- Are you able to embrace your uniqueness and the qualities that make you stand out?
- Can you celebrate your uniqueness as a superpower?
- How do you want to respond energetically and emotionally when people recognize how interesting you are?
- When you reflect on a time in your life when you deviated from the norm, what has worked for you?
- Have you noticed any advantages in doing things differently?
- Do you manage a team in a way that sets you apart from others?
- Are you highly skilled in an area but approach it differently than those before you?
- What in your life do you want to deviate from?
- Where do you want to set a new standard or raise the bar?
- Is there something you’ve always done a certain way but feel there’s a better approach?
- What do you have to lose by trying something new?
- Are you willing to believe in yourself and honor your uniqueness?
- Can you embrace being an anomaly and confidently step outside the norm?
- Where are you deviating from the norm?
- Where can you find a community that supports you?
- How can you connect with others through shared understanding and appreciation?
- What opens up for you when you embrace your uniqueness?
- How does recognizing your individuality change your perspective on yourself?
Thank you so much for going on this Wise Walk with me today and for sharing my story. Oh, and my results are strong! I’m staying consistent, and while I still have to check in with my doctor every six months, everything is looking good.
So we’re going to celebrate that too. Thank you, thank you for being a part of this Strider’s community!
In this episode:
[04:58] At first, I was a little bit taken aback because this was the first time I was meeting that doctor. Then I agreed that I am interesting because I don’t fit the norm.
[06:08] I want to celebrate my uniqueness.
[07:35] Can we honor deviations when we feel called?
[08:34] My nephew has started playing golf. He uses a traditional grip, but a famous golfer decided to deviate from the norm and now he’s revered for his grip.
[10:03] It only takes one person to show something new to inspire the rest of us.
[11:31] There is excitement about having commonality with people.
[12:03] Not fitting the norm or being an outlier can make us feel alone.
[13:07] There will always be pros and cons to being unique.
[15:35] Sometimes groundbreaking discoveries result from our unique deviation.
[16:32] I want to encourage you to deviate from the standard if you feel called to.
Memorable Quotes:
- “Celebrating your uniqueness is not just about accepting who you are, but recognizing that what makes you different is also what makes you powerful.” – Mary Tess
- “Not being the norm can be a really great thing, because when you step outside of expectations, you create space for new possibilities and discoveries that wouldn’t exist otherwise.” – Mary Tess
- “Honoring the choices that feel right for you, even when they don’t align with conventional wisdom, is an act of self-trust and self-care.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources: