When all colors come together, they form black—a timeless epitome of elegance and luxury that suits any occasion (including our Fun Fitness Saturdays sessions). This color is simple, yet so sophisticated that it symbolizes power and authority. In much the same way, you are a product of everything life has thrown at you and the people you’ve encountered—just like the colors that blend to create black. Your power lies in how different you are from anyone else, in your ability to absorb every experience without feeling the need to change or abandon that deep, inborn desire you cannot ignore.
Yes, black comes in many shades, but the ideologies it represents are eternal. It is a color that knows how to create its own happiness—and I believe we all have that same power. By allowing yourself to be different, you remain authentic. You view life through your own unique lens and as we say in Kenya, “Kuna shugli haitakagi mbogi.” Some things are not meant for the crowd.
Being different is powerful—and here’s why.
Happiness/ Freedom
I gained a better understanding of how different people truly are when one of my favorite writers said something that really stood out to me: “It is wrong to assume that we are designed to be happy.” The idea struck me because life does seem to throw problems at us whenever it gets the chance. I respect that perspective, but I also believe this: the very fact that life can be difficult is the exact reason we should actively seek out our own happiness.
Being different means creating your own version of happiness—and not being bothered by what brings others joy, as long as it doesn’t affect you negatively. For instance, you might be happiest when working out, pushing your limits, and maintaining your physique. That’s your joy. But someone else may find peace in a life free from gym sessions and food restrictions. Their happiness doesn’t threaten yours—it’s simply different. And that’s perfectly okay.
Sometimes, the real reason we feel upset or dissatisfied is because we struggle to accept someone else’s unique path to happiness—or because someone refuses to accept ours. Either way, the moment we stop honoring those differences, we lose a little bit of our own joy.
Kindness Is Elegance
In an interview that stayed with me, the CEO of Snapchat shared a powerful insight: the most important value in his company’s structure is kindness. Not speed, not profit, not innovation—kindness. The ability to allow others to express themselves differently, without judgment or belittlement, even when you don’t agree with what they say or create. This kind of space—where you’re free to be yourself—is not just refreshing; it’s essential for happiness.
Choosing to appreciate our differences doesn’t just make us more compassionate—it makes us wiser. Much like the color black, we absorb diverse experiences, perspectives, and knowledge—blending them into new shades of ourselves—while never losing the essence of who we are.
Second to None
Once you grasp the power that comes from embracing your uniqueness, you’ll never be intimidated by the success or societal status of others. You’ll realize that while someone may shine in one area, you will excel in another—and that’s what makes life beautiful. This understanding helps you minimize conflicts too. Even if you prove your point in an argument, it’s important to recognize that, in the process, you might unintentionally lose someone you care about because you have questioned their intelligence.
As one of my favorite writers wisely said, “A human being will never forgive you for making them look stupid.” I believe this happens when we fail to acknowledge and appreciate the differences that make each of us unique. We are all equal, but in our own distinct ways. Trying to become someone else only leaves you second to them, losing sight of your true identity.
I believe more blessings go to the idea bearer, even if others come along and try to copy later. Focusing too much on achieving what someone else has can cloud your mind and reduce your happiness. Instead, when you admire something someone else is doing, the goal should be to absorb their positive qualities—like the color black—using them to enhance and elevate your own version of yourself, while never abandoning that authentic desire within you, the one you’ve always been encouraged to deny.
Remember, self love is not selfish…