Unique. Original. Unrepeatable. Wonder.

“You are a wonder.” 

What a message. This past week, I’ve been meditating on this simple yet revolutionary statement made by one of the keynote speakers of Discover the Gift. Her story was one of greatness and glory found in her littleness. Because of this week-long retreat, women from all over the world were able to come together to listen and learn, and illumine their own paths. In the cacophony of raw emotions emerging in this current climate, this was what I needed most — a community in unity. Activating the most authentic desires placed in my heart, I felt my strength being refueled as I eagerly unpacked the feminine genius within me by listening to the success stories of other women and creatives. With a deeper understanding of who I was and am, I could now taste the true meaning of freedom. This renewed understanding of myself made me realize that my highest expression of self is activated when I am most vulnerable and creative in telling my story. Surrounded by courageous explorers of selves and the world, I learned that I am unrepeatable and as unique as my intricately-designed fingerprint. It is liberating to live in this truth — that every one of us is capable and chosen. “We are not problems to be fixed, but rather, persons to be loved for who we are,” another lovely and wise keynote speaker disclosed. Rather than comparing ourselves and competing with one another, we should seek to be a community that is attentive, engaged, and celebratory of our individual differences.

Embracing my vulnerability, femininity, and creativity as core parts of my identity, I’ve never felt more original and like myself. By owning who I am, my decisions and actions included, I feel even more inspired to put myself out there! The Given Institute is so validating and empowering that I hope to be able to extend on their mission and vision by validating and empowering other women and Catholic creatives! Cheers to identifying our individual gifts, igniting creativity, and building each other up!

Remember this: Be and do you because you are a wonder — a beautiful social creature that the world so badly needs! Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise! If anyone does, just smile at them and flutter your lashes with confidence. Control is in your reaction and choice is in your response, after all!