Being the "Only One" doesn't make you the Lonely One.
Nuri Dimler- Jan 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 19
I first traveled to South Africa over 20 years ago. I recall walking in places like Mandela Square in Johannesburg realizing that although I was the only American, I was not a "minority" nor being singled out as different. Everyone was different! I remember seeing Indian, Nigerian, Chinese, and German, some wearing traditional clothing, some in suits, some with families... all looking at me directly in the eyes to say hello. It felt surreal with a rush of emotional weight lifted off my shoulders. With 12 official languages, South Africa is truly a World within one Country. These experiences helped define my perspectives of the world.
About 15 years ago. I was in Karachi, Pakistan on special assignment to benchmark best practices for design, construction, and organization. I stayed at a large country club where the food was amazing and I was the only American guest. Everyone I met smiled and were friendly and eager to be helpful. One evening, I went to the gym after dinner to lift some weights and was greeted by two Pakistani gentlemen with thick mustaches, wearing 1980's Richard Simmons gear (not my outfit of choice). While enjoying the energizing music playing on the gym screens, I glanced up to realize it was Pakistani rap videos!!! My world perspectives broadened again!
At work, I still remember participating in ice breaking sessions where I was the "only and expected one" in my group to like rap music while others introduced themselves as liking anything but that! Well, the rap music I prefer isn’t explicit, derogatory towards women, or focused on gross materialism. Instead, it educates, enlightens, and energizes you to do good. If you like this kind of music, check out my playlist below!
Overall, I am fortunate to have a mindset that my personal faith, morals, and principles (i.e. my Why) have value regardless of the environment. Simon Sinek in the "Golden Circle" reminds us that people are attracted to "Why" you do things, not what things you do.
So, next time you are the "only one" offering a different opinion, drinking water instead of alcohol, eating fresh vegetables instead of processed food, loving instead of hating, thinking instead of reacting, and listening instead of talking know that you are not alone. You are making choices for your "why" which might be the exact spark of inspiration someone else needs in their life.
Keep doing you my friends! I believe it is better to be alone and true to yourself than fake with company.
© Nuri Dimler 2025
Comments