1. If you wear a mask for too long, there will come a time when you cannot remove it without removing your face.
2. Dance to the beat of your own drum; whether the world likes your rhythmic movements or not.
3. A rose would be miserable if it was forced to be a daisy, no matter how much water it was fed.
4. Be like the sun; never let the opinions of those who hate you dull your shine.
5. If flowers did not accept each other’s’ uniqueness there would be no gardens.
6. To be ordinary, be normal; to be original, be different; to be valuable, be unique; to be priceless, be yourself.
7. You will never be free until you free yourself from the prison of other people’s opinions of you.
8. If you don’t know your worth, people will put a cheap price tag on you.
9. Do not underrate yourself trying to be somebody else.
10. A star would lose its value if it tried to be something else; just be yourself.
11. The world accommodates you for fitting in, but only rewards you for standing out.
12. In a world full of game players, the only way to set yourself apart is to be a game changer.
13. Diamonds are valuable because they are uncommon; sand is worthless because it is common; be yourself and you will be a diamond.
14. One who thinks for himself is a threat to his enemies, a refuge to his acquaintances, a prize to his friends, and a gift to the world.
15. You are an original masterpiece; imitating someone else diminishes your value.
You have no power over your past, but you do over your present;
no power over your history, but you do over your future;
no power over your fortune, but you do over your actions;
no power over your reputation, but you do over your character;
no power over destiny, but you do over yourself;
no power over anyone, but you do over your world.
~Matshona Dhliwayo
