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Humans are gregarious, and we like to be around one another. Too often, however, we gauge our well being and worth by how many groups we are in, and where we stand in those groups.

But the funny thing about most groups is that they’re not particularly tolerant of individuality. Family and true friends – they’re different – and warm, close relationships invite and encourage their members to truly be who they are.

But in many groups often made up of acquaintances – office co-workers, civic organizations, churches, schoolyards – we stand alone when we start to look too different, which is what happens when we begin to ask questions, think our own thoughts, and get serious about becoming the unique individual we were born to be. Groups prefer conformity, with a leader or two in command.

I painted Living on the Edge, which depicts a lone tree in the Grand Canyon, with this in mind. While it may wish it were part of a forest, surrounded by many other trees just like itself, this particular tree has grown straight and strong against the elements, because it has been forced to meet circumstances without the protective aura of the group. Outside of confines, it has grown into its unique shape and form.

We are not always alone like this tree – there are times when we are happily part of the forest. But when we do find ourselves on the edge, alone and kind of craggy feeling, may we stand straight and proud like this tree and say to ourselves, “I may be alone right now, but I have an incredible view, and I see beautiful things.” Then, when we rejoin the group (if we choose to do so), we will have worthy things to share.

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Living on the Edge by Steve Henderson