Why Not Me?
We’ve all felt it—that heavy, sinking feeling when someone looks at us and sees a limitation instead of a person. Maybe it’s because we’re a little taller, a little shorter, or our skin, our voice, or our mind works differently than what’s considered “the norm.” In those moments, it can be easy to internalize that perception and believe the stories others tell us about who we are and what we’re capable of.
But why should we?
For centuries, the world has tried to fit everyone into neat little boxes. If you didn’t fit, you were often cast aside, ignored, or told your dreams were simply not for you. Yet, history is full of people who refused to stay in their assigned boxes. Think of the artists who were told their style was too unconventional, the inventors who were laughed at for their “impossible” ideas, and the leaders who were told they didn’t have the right background to lead.
They all had one thing in common: They looked at the world, at its expectations, and asked, “Why not me?”
This isn’t just a question; it’s a powerful statement of self-belief. It’s the moment you decide to rewrite the script others have handed you. It’s the declaration that your differences aren’t roadblocks but unique assets.
Maybe you’ve been told your accent makes you sound unprofessional. Why not you to be the leader who brings a fresh perspective and helps others feel comfortable in their own skin?
Perhaps you’ve been told your physical disability means you can’t participate in sports. Why not you to be the athlete who inspires millions by redefining what’s possible in your chosen field?
Maybe your neurodiversity has been misunderstood as a weakness. Why not you to be the innovator who sees patterns others miss and creates solutions nobody else ever dreamed of?
The world doesn’t need more copies. It needs more originals. It needs the vibrant tapestry of human experience, woven with threads of every color, texture, and pattern. Your unique qualities—the things that make you “different”—are not flaws to be corrected. They are the very source of your power, your creativity, and your resilience.
The next time you face a door that seems closed because of who you are, remember to ask that question. Let “Why not me?” be the key that unlocks it. It’s a question that challenges not just the person in front of you, but the entire system of judgment and prejudice. It’s a question that says, “I am here, I am capable, and I am ready to show you what I can do.”
So, what’s your “why not me?” What dream or goal have you been holding back on because of what others might think?