A Du Da Lv Di - Post #2 on MMM

"INDIVIDUALITY colors life.
Our moods have color, our clothing, our skin-tones, our ideas.
We were not created to be all alike, but we were created to be ourselves-
to fill a place that no other person could fill.
The earth would be a dull place if every hill and tree and valley were in a line and nothing could ever be different.
If everything had one drab color or was totally flat, we would follow suit and be just as dull.
No rule exists that we have to be like everyone else.
We don't have to follow trends and do unwise things because someone else is doing them.
Our lives are separate entities- apart from the crowd.
It is our a du da lv di, our personal responsibility to keep self respect without question.
God almighty has made us all."
By Red Cloud

This little ditty hangs on my fridge. It is crinkled, discolored and stained from my greasy kitchen fingers that stop to review it on needed occasions. It has been there for some time. I'm not sure how I came upon it. All I know is that it touched me the first time I read it, and it continues to reinforce my motto of "different is good", which was coined by Arby's restaurant in the ninety's.

What a blessing it is to be our unique selves and possess qualities that make us different- "apart from the crowd"! The sooner we embrace this principle the sooner we begin to stop shying away from loving and appreciating our life, our purpose, our abilities and who we are as an individual on this earth. It also shows to us the beauties of others and helps us accept people for who they are regardless of demographics, circumstances or choices.

Picture Courtesy of Willis Orchard Company

I am grateful for this affirmation I hold so dear, the road was bumpy in reaching this milestone. I am constantly reminded of what turns it took to get here and I am aware of the stop signs and speed bumps that continue to interrupt my ride and get me off track.

My wish for all women is that they "keep self respect without question" and realize that "different is good" and choose to embrace themselves for who God has created them to be- "separate entities apart from the crowd".

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God (D&C 18:10)".