So here’s the truth… I love fashion, but I don’t like shopping. I would rather shop at a boutique than a major department store most days, and don’t even think about asking me to enter a Forever 21 — I get claustrophobic. I think what makes boutique shopping so fun is their unique pieces. The chances of someone sitting across the room from me in a similar outfit shrink if I snag my gear from a boutique, and I like those odds.

My sister is a great fashion designer and our grandmother taught her how to sew. Granny is so O.G. with it that she can create something without a pattern. Meaning she can eye it, create it, then violà — no pattern needed for her to create greatness. That thought drew me to think about God's creation, and how amazing it is that He too creates you and me without a pattern and without a mold. Did you get that, sis? There was no pattern needed when God created you. Each of our destinies has been masterfully crafted, so I want you to please strongly consider the following:

no need to compare yourself to others

When a designer mass-produces an item, that one pattern is used for each unit produced. Sometimes thousands of garments are made from one single pattern. Not you, my dear. Remember you are a #nopatternneeded kind of woman. So we must stop comparing ourselves to the patterns of this world. At the end of the day, your marital status, coins and every other visible "social status” does not define who you are. Applaud your sista' when she's doing well, but remember to stay focused on your own journey.

seek God for direction

Since you are an original, you cannot compare your journey to the next. Seek God on your “what” and your “where". The two questions we ask ourselves and God the most are:

"What should I be doing?"

"Where should I go?"

Allow me to remind you that the life God has called you to do hasn’t been done in the way you are going to do it. Often times, there isn’t a clear path or pattern you can follow to arrive at your destination. But I promise, God strives for you to achieve your destiny.

Embrace your uniqueness

The fashion collection that receives rave reviews, typically, are the collections that are unique. The designers of those same collections are asked to define their uniqueness with questions like, "What is your inspiration?" or "How did you come up with the idea"? Their responses can span from color pairing to their unique experiences. These qualities allow their fashion brand to stand shoulders above the rest. Beyond fashionable garments, there is no one on in this world like you. You are that unique and special! Embrace that!

I want you to do something: write out 10 qualities that make you special. Let me give you a hint. The things you were always teased about growing up ranks high on the list. I was teased about my skin color being too dark, but now I embrace every ounce of my melanin. My skinny legs were always the butt of every joke, but my legs also helped pay for my college education by way of a track scholarship. My love for numbers has made me an outstanding businesswoman. And though I’ve always been the “church girl”, please believe I trust in the power of prayer.

So be encouraged, you are a priceless masterpiece. Embrace it! Own it! When self-doubt tries to creep in, remind yourself #nopatterneeded.

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