“Know that although in the eternal scheme of things you are small, you are also unique and irreplaceable, as are all your fellow humans everywhere in the world.” ~ Margaret Laurence
Note: Special thanks to Belinda Munoz, for the direction to this quote.
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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Unique and irreplaceable. I like that. I like the way it sounds when spoken out loud, and the way it feels on the inside of my mind. It’s empowering without being overbearing. Good, good thought.
.-= Jay Schryer´s Last Fabulous Post ..These Dreams =-.
Hi Lance,
Oh, that is so true. We are each unique. Lest we not forget that.
P.S. I love daisies.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s Last Fabulous Post ..Does The Party Ever End =-.
Happy Sunday, Lance! This quote is telling me to be especially cognizant today, looking at those around me and seeing them for the gifts they truly are. I’ll be driving five hours to Pittsburgh today, and will undoubtedly have many opportunities to see “new” faces. I’ll carry this quote with me and remind myself that everyone, everywhere is one of God’s intentions, as am I. What an awesome thought!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Magic of Meditation =-.
Simply beautiful post. Once we understand our true nature, we see it in everyone else and we can’t help but feel unconditional love and compassion for all.
.-= Diane AZ´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weekend Reflections — On Cars =-.
It is stunning to think that every single one of us is irreplaceable. I always look forward to your Sunday posts, Lance. I want to know more about Maragaret Laurence now.
.-= jen´s Last Fabulous Post ..gen x halloween [1974 sunday school kid] =-.
Another great quote, Lance.
I have to say that in the grand scheme of things we are quite small, but to our friends and family, we just might be larger than life!
.-= Joanna´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday School =-.
Oooh, I love this one. It goes so well with the post I wrote on Friday about how we all belong here. Thanks for sharing this one, Lance!
I always love this kind of thoughts, take me back to the Jewish philosophy I’m so fond of, Martin Buber and the role of each unique being of us in the universe, so small each of us and yet so irreplaceable.
.-= Miguel de Luis´s Last Fabulous Post ..Back from our previous story =-.
Did you just call me “small”?
.-= Lisis´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inspiration from Dr. Wayne Dyer: Be Like Water =-.
Good Morning Lance — This quote is beautifully stated. I’ve got nothing else to add.
.-= Amanda Linehan´s Last Fabulous Post ..Act From Yourself =-.
What a good quote Lance. We all need to remember this.
.-= South Beach Steve´s Last Fabulous Post ..Week Sixty-Nine Weigh-In, Measurements, and Goals (with pics) =-.
Beautiful!
.-= Mama Zen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Kiss Me =-.
I feel small a lot. Although I know my personality shines.
You are not small Lance your heart is kind and big. 
.-= Erin Brooks´s Last Fabulous Post ..Chocolatey Filled Peanut Butter Cookies =-.
Lovely quote. It reminded me of this one:
“The world needs all its flowers, just as they are, and even though they bloom for only the briefest of moments, which we call a lifetime. it is our job to find out one by one and collectively what kind of flowers we are, and to share our unique beauty with the world in the precious time that we have.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn
I love that picture!
.-= Stephen — Rat Race Trap´s Last Fabulous Post ..Top 10 Ways To Clear Your Mind Clutter =-.
We are not small at all. We just don’t realize our amazing magnificence yet.
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Infuse Happiness Into Your Work Day With Happy At Work Action Day =-.
I’ll add and we’re all one. It should make it real easy to love and understand each other don’t ya think?
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..11 Things I Can’t Live Without =-.
This especially makes me think of young girls who have zero self-esteem. It’s very sad. They need to hear these words.
Oh how true, we are all irreplaceable! There are days that I feel like my life is just a heap of ashes. But I remember that the God of the universe made me, and loves me, and I’m important to Him. So that’s what enables me to keep going and live the life he gave to me.
.-= Hope´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Tough Decision =-.
Kelly says “Hey Lance, I’m tiny and I’m small and your quote is music to my ears. Margaret Laurence is a good thinker on things.”
See, you bring joy even to the very young set. And it really ties in to what Yum Yucky just said.
Thanks — Jannie xo
.-= Jannie Funster´s Last Fabulous Post ..And So On. And So On. And So On. =-.
I love that quote Lance. It’s so true.
.-= Diane Fit to the Finish´s Last Fabulous Post ..Catching My Breath! =-.
Hi Lance! I don’t need to tell you how much my butterfly loves your daisy!
LOVE the quote! It struck me with being humble about my smallness, instead of puffed up at my greatness, but also the best reminder of the unique aspects that make me,me. I’m in constant awe — the uniqueness of everyone is more than I could ever process! This was a blessing today, Lance, thank you!
Hi Lance! I love this week’s quote!
.-= Tabitha@ichoosebliss´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday Citar 10/11 =-.
Hi Lance… First, I have to say AMEN to Tess’s comment. She’s a goddess
Two sides of the same coin — we’re all unique and we’re all one. Interesting how we tend to have the urge to “be accepted and fit in”. Only because we’ve forgotten that we already do.
.-= Davina´s Last Fabulous Post ..9. Thyme Out On A Mountain =-.
As I stand next to the ocean this week I feel very small. But I know I matter to God in a unique way, as do you Lance. Happy Sunday my friend.
.-= Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Find Your Strongest Life =-.
Hi Lance,
Amen to that! May more and more of us realize this truth. Great picture too! I love daises. They are just such happy flowers.
.-= Nadia — Happy Lotus´s Last Fabulous Post ..Are You An Angry Talk Show Or A Romantic Comedy? =-.
Lance,
Daisies make me happy -
this is oh-so true.
You are unique and lovely -
I know this to be true.
One day I will meet you -
soon this day shall be.
Until that day arrives -
your uniqueness shines through me.
.-= Lori´s Last Fabulous Post ..Loving Lisis Blackston Day =-.
I love all of your postings
Blessings?
.-= Jeanne´s Last Fabulous Post ..Let Us Be Thankful =-.
That’s a really good reminder, not just for ourselves, but also for our fellow man. How we treat and value others is how we feel about ourselves.
Lance:
Thank you for sharing this very profound thought and beautiful picture. A great way to get the new week started. Have a great week!
.-= Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weekend Video Diversion: Improv Everywhere =-.
Between Flashdancing and wearing lipstick, I think we can BOTH attest to this Sunday thought Lance!
.-= Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s Last Fabulous Post ..Kick Arse Question – Your Greatest Accomplishment =-.
Yes, we are small compared to the universe. But it’s nice to know that we are all unique– everyone of us. When you think about all the people who have walked the earth, there has never been a Lance or a Laurie quite like us. And there has never been anyone with the power to do EXACTLY what we are here to do. We are small, unique and powerful. Hopefully I will use my power toward the mission given me by God. To complete his will for my life, touching others for Christ, loving, laughing, and living fully in a way that only I can do. My prayer is that I don’t waste the unique life I have been blessed with. That Christ will use me for his greater good because I am the one he created for just that special job.
It’s our uniqueness that makes the world such a wonderful place to live. Interesting and alive! Great quote!
.-= Angelia sims´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday Healthy Reflection =-.
A wonderful inspiration for higher self-esteem. Thank you Lance!
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..The office, extra mile and dance at the wedding =-.
@Jay — That sure does have a nice ring, doesn’t it — to really think that each of us is unique and irreplaceable.
@Barbara — Hi Barbara. In our world, we can sometimes start to forget our unique-ness. This reminds me that each of us is special in some very great ways!
@Megan — Happy Sunday Megan! Ahhh…yes, recognizing the unique-ness in all those we encounter. Great thought! Safe travels to you today, and may you continue to recognize the special qualities in everyone you encounter, AND in yourself!
@Diane AZ — Understanding our true nature…yes, that’s it! When we start with ourselves, and really can see the unique in us…then we just start to more easily see that in everyone we encounter. And compassion becomes so much stronger! Yes, that’s so good to read, Diane.
@Jen — Hi Jen. If we break a plate, we just throw it away and replace it with something else. Things are replaceable. People…well, there’ll never be another YOU. And that does make YOU irreplaceable. And that feels good, thinking about that… It’s so good having you here today, Jen! And Margaret Laurence was a novelist.
@Joanna — Hi Joanna. Oh, and that’s so true. When you think of this world we live in, or even greater, this galaxy we’re a part of — we are just a speck. Yet to those around us — we’re so much more, and we can really be “the world” at times. And that does make us each so unique and special!
@Positively Present — Hi Dani. Yes, all belonging here…here on this earth. We’re all here with our own special talents and gifts, and when we fully live those, wow! And even when we don’t, we’re still each so unique and special — and that’s important to remember too. Each of us, no matter where we are along our journey through life, are all special!
@Miguel — Yes, we all have a purpose, and that does make us each so unique!
@Lisis — Hey, only in a good way!! And Lisis, you are so wonderful and unique…in sweet, sweet ways…
@Amanda — Hi Amanda! We are all special in our own ways!
@South Beach Steve — Yes, a great thing for us all to remember, that we’re all unique…each and every one of us…
@Mama Zen — Thank you!
@Erin Brooks — You DO shine, Erin! So…maybe you do feel small sometimes. I do too. In a world that is so big, it can be easy to think we’re just a speck amongst millions. And yet, we’re so unique and special, every one of us. And, Erin, I know so much that you are. You ARE unique and amazing! And it’s so good to have you here…always…
@Stephen — Wow! That’s an amazingly beautiful quote, Stephen. We all do bloom! That’s so, so good to read. Thanks so much for sharing this here, it does relate so well to the Margaret Laurence quote. And isn’t the flower a great reminder of each of us!
@Evita — Well, that’s so true! We’re not small at all. I read this quote as we’re small as in physically small in the grand scheme of our world (our whole world). And yet, when we look at the world around us, the world we touch — we are NOT small at all. Do we fully realize just how amazing and unique we are, though? Probably most don’t. I’m not sure that I fully realize my own unique-ness. And so reading your comment today, Evita, is so good…and so moving on a deeper level…
@Tess — Ohhh, Tess — what a thought! Yes, we ARE all one. We’re all part of this earth, and that makes us one in that connection. If we could only fully realize that thought, love would be so easy and love would be everywhere! Thank you for this!
@Yum Yucky — Certain people seem more vulnerable sometimes to the idea that they’re not special or unique. Being a young girl, while it’s not something I can directly relate to, I’ve witnessed. And that is a message that is so good for them (and everyone) to hear. And to be reminded that they have a song in their heart, and it’s one they should let out and let shine…
@Hope — Hi Hope. There are days…yes…when it can feel like things are falling apart in our lives. Or when it can feel like “what’s the use”. And the truth is, there is always someone that love us, a God that we can’t fully comprehend, who cares and loves us in ways that no other can. Hope, you ARE unique and irreplaceable, and it’s so good having you here today…
@Jannie — Lance says “Hey Kelly! Or maybe it should be Little Miss Unique! You may be small in size, but you are large in heart and spirit! And you shine!!” And Jannie, just so you know…yep, you’re all of that too!
@Diane — Hi Diane. Thanks so much for being here!
@Suzen — Hi Suzen. Ha!! Yes, I’m sure your butterflies do love this daisy! And I love what you’re saying about our unique-ness, and how filled with awe you are! That’s so good to read. And it is, because it shows the depth at which you view those around you, and see them as the amazing individuals that they each are!
We are all unique and if everyone could grasp the idea that we are also all connected to one another, I think we’d love a lot more and hate much less.
.-= Keith´s Last Fabulous Post ..Living The Kind Life =-.
@Tabitha — Thanks so much Tabitha!
@Davina — Yes, Tess really touched upon something that was special, in seeing us all as one. So moving to read her words today. And taking this a step further, what you’re saying here is so good to read too. We’re unique and we’re all one. So, should we “need” to fit in? If an ideal world, our one-ness would embrace the unique-ness of each of us. In real life, that’s not quite so embraced — by either sides of the coin. And getting back to that, to seeing our our uique qualities as the gifts they are, wow!
@Audra — Yes, there’s something about the ocean and it’s vastness, that can make us feel small. I do. And I’m also pulled in by the far reaches of our world and how far we extend beyond what I can see, when I’m near the ocean. And you’re right, no matter how small we might feel some days, or for that matter, how big we might feel too — it’s important to remember that God loves us as we are, and that we’re each special in our very own special ways. Audra, your comment today warms my heart…Happy Sunday to you!
@Nadia — Hi Nadia. Happy flowers, I love that! And that makes me think about the happiness that is within all of us. And part of what makes us happy and fulfilled is when we let that flower within us bloom!
@Lori — Lori, this is so sweet, what you’ve shared. Know that YOU make me happy. And we shall meet, that day will come, and it will be a beautiful day! Lori, you shine your unique YOU in so many wonderful, wonderful ways! Thank you, very deeply, for this today…
@Jeanne — Thank you Jeanne!
@Carla — Hi Carla. Oh, that’s so true. If we can see the unique-ness in ourselves first, and really accept that — then we just start to more fully see that in everyone. And compassion shines!
@Tim — Thanks Tim! So good to remember, just how unique each of us is!
@Sami — Ahhh, soooo.…we have a funny girl here!! Someday we’ll reverse roles…(wait…what am I saying???). Sami, you are so awesomely unique…keep being that! Always! And happy travels to you…
@Laurie — And when you say it that way, Laurie, that there’s never been another Lance or Laurie, or anyone her now — before — wow!! And we all have within us a connection to that Higher Spirit, to the God we accept in our lives. Laurie, YOU are doing amazing works — and it’s so great to see and hear about. And I know that’s God with you, living your very unique and special life!
@Angelia — Oh, that’s a great thought! Our world IS interesting and alive — not because we’re all the same, but because we’re all different and we’re all unique! Yes!!
@Lynn — Self-esteem…so good to think about here, Lynn! Thank you. Yes, when we truly see our uniqueness as the gift it is, our self-esteem only raises — as we move toward a great place within…
@Keith — Hi Keith. Unique and connected — what a great thought! When we see this, at a deeper level, love and compassion rule. When we don’t, envy and jealousy play a bigger role. Keith, I love how you’ve pulled these two together…so, so good!!
There are some days that I feel this way and other days I don’t. It’s usually when I’m in a grumpy mood that I don’t.
It’s funny how a mood can dictate how we feel about ourselves.
I need to always believe that I am unique and valuable. As the months and years go by the more that I feel valuable. I just need to keep believing, praying, and enjoying who I am. As long as I keep trying than the more that I will believe I’m irreplaceable.
.-= Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Find Meaning in Tedious Work =-.
I often wonder about that — how can we be so unique and important, and yet so small and unimportant, at the same time. Nice quote.
.-= vered | blogger for hire´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inappropriate Halloween Costumes for Kids =-.
Small in comparison with what? It is all relative and a lot of small ones make a beautiful tapestry. We are certainly unique and that is amazing. Think of it, so many of us and all different, that I find amazing.
I hope you get some time off yourself with all the initiatives you are unleashing.
Happy sunday oh small but unique one.
.-= Wilma Ham´s Last Fabulous Post ..What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
YUP! we’re all unique and special in our own little ways.
Love the simplicity of that. You know I’m all for simplicity.
.-= Mindful Mimi´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday laugh =-.
Powerful message my friend and one that we both seem to be sharing today. The world needs our greatness, just the way we are. There is nothing small about that.
.-= Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s Last Fabulous Post ..Uniqueness Your Grandest Gift =-.
I love it and feel like it echoes what I deeply believe. And I think it sounds like Mariah Carey’s next greatest hit “We are all unique and irreplaceable-oooohhh ahhhhhh!” Don’t you think Lance?
This follows a theme I have been addressing in my workshops…By listening and answering the call to action of who we are being called to be, we are honoring our place on this planet.
I like what Tess said too, we are all one and in this together and that interconnectedness is a part our greatest strength.
“OhhhhhhhAhhhhh we are unique and irreplaceable.….ooohhh ahhh.” Happy Monday Funday, Lance.
.-= Katie West/The Levity Coach´s Last Fabulous Post ..We are all one….keep laughing. =-.
Lance — I loved both the picture and the quote. Just as no flower is exactly the same, so it’s true of us. The only difference is that the flower never questions it’s uniqueness; it is what it is. We are given a choice about how we choose to see ourselves and what we do with who we are. I like the idea of choosing to be unique and irreplaceable:~)
I also enjoyed reading the comments from others. That’s one thing I really like about your site. The people are so varied and it’s interesting to read how they respond to the picture and quote. Thanks for sharing this:~)
.-= Sara´s Last Fabulous Post ..Picture Story: Here’s To Words =-.
@Karl — Moods can certainly dictate how we’re feeling about ourselves, and our perception of how we think the world sees us. And the deal is — we ARE all unique and valuable! Even when we sometimes forget that…
@Vered — Hi Vered. It’s really quite an interesting thought…within the confines of us as a part of this galaxy we’re in, we’re but a tiny speck. And yet, even as a tiny speck — we are so, so much. And there’s no other exactly like us! And that’s pretty awesome!
@Wilma — Hi Wilma. Ahh…excellent point. What are we comparing ourselves to? And small what (in terms of footprint in this world, in terms of our heart, etc, etc). So, maybe the best way to view this all — is in seeing the unique and beautiful that each of us bring to the world — and that’s not small at all! Ha!! Maybe I need a blog vacation…I’m thinking Hawaii!! In February!! (alas…February means basketball around here, though…)
@Mimi — Simplicity is great, isn’t it! Gets right to the core of what matters — just like this quote!
@Tom — Hey Tom. Yes, we’re definitely on the same page today — way cool!! I’d say you live this message OUT LOUD!!!
@Katie West — Hey Katie! Sure, it does echo your belief, because I really think you just really “see” the unique-ness of every individual you encounter. And that’s a beautiful gift you have! Okay, do you want me to sing with you? (SCARY!) A FUNday Monday for sure!!
@Sara — Hi Sara. Yes, we’re each our own unique flower! And I’m loving this thought, that like a flower, we’re all different! And like a flower, we have beauty to give to the world! Thanks much Sara!
Oneperspective is you are an energy being, a fragment that split off from the universal source. Everyone is progressively making their way back to unconditional self-love and acceptance. This involves a deep understanding that we are all reflections of everyone else from the inside.
.-= Liara Covert´s Last Fabulous Post ..Share your views on Self-Disclosure =-.
Thank you Lance for this reminder. Sometimes I can feel so small and insignificant…even replaceable. But this quote reminds me how important we are…how we can touch other people and not even realize the goodness we put out into the world.
.-= Caroline´s Last Fabulous Post ..Mosaic Monday — Tuscan Romance =-.
Do you ever just look around at all the people you see as you go about your day and wonder what their story is? And then just think there are millions more people with their own stories around the world…
.-= FatFighterTV´s Last Fabulous Post ..Beer Butt calorie guide giveaway =-.
@Liara — Reflections of everyone else…so interesting! And if we are, then that does still make us unique in who we’re reflecting off…
@Caroline — Hi Caroline. You are not small at all. No way! You are an amazing being…and one with whom I am blessed to know. And in my life, you are not insignificant at all…your words speak volumes to me, and I’m moved by your heart…
@FatFighterTV — Oh, Sahar…yes! All these people, moving about. And what is their story, what makes them unique and who they are? I have! And to think…every one of the millions upon millions of stories is different and special! Wow!