How hard is it to be true to yourself?

When nature is left alone, allowed to flourish as she is supposed to, we are given a gift that stays, grows, becomes ever more meaningful with each passing day. When we tinker with nature, the opposite happens. We all know how that is turning out to be in our own lifetime.

I was watching a show on television, where a group of designers entered a challenge to produce outfits for different occasions. There were different levels with each challenge becoming more and more outlandish. It was interesting to hear the participants talk among themselves about what was scariest, who was the weakest link, and how to win. Winning was the goal.

I understand all about journeying towards the goal of winning. But what struck me was how the judges reacted to the designers’ outfits. On the one hand insisting participants be creative, then flipping back to emphasize current trends in clothing.

Creative, as I understand, is the ability to create from one’s own imagination. One participant, a multi-talented designer on his own merit, found himself eliminated in the final round because he insisted on remaining true to himself. His designs spoke of him, they were uniquely his.

When we remain true to self, we must work harder. It takes courage, but is also supremely satisfying.

I find trees to be the best teachers. I don’t know the name of the trees below, but they take my breath away every time I see the pictures. We are used to trees with symmetrical branches, or whose branches shoot upwards. But these two speak to me – maybe because they are so out of the box.

The necklace, made from banana leaves, is from Costa Rica. I was drawn to it the minute I saw the necklace. It is now, one of many such unique pieces of jewellery I have collected during my travels, each piece a testament to someone’s creativity.

To be truly authentic to our own creative self is a steep climb but well worth the effort.