Power of you

Last night, I watched a movie called Ghost Dog.

In this decade-old film, a lone hitman tries to keep to the way of the old Japanese samurai. Great film, no great acting, amazing atmosphere.

In this movie, like so many others, an individual goes against the mainstream in both philosophy and action. In real life, however, most of us merely follow the crowd.

It is a funny thing; we all want to be part of something, yet we all want to be unique and different. We are part of the group, and yet not part of the group. A constant struggle of identity.

To completely and utterly break free of the crowd is hard and rare. Most often, people choose to belong to another, often obscure group. Common examples are the goth subculture, various religious groups, and, in a way, artists. To really break free and become your own group of one, is something not often seen.

And yet, it is so much easier than it appears. Just stop trying to be someone other that who you are.

All of us are unique. All of us are alike. It is that blend of characteristics that make us who we are. So just stop trying to be someone you're not, and be yourself.

Then you'll be unique. And yes, part of a group. A group of individuals.