How to Stand Out in a Society That Seeks to Keep Us Conforming? How to Shed the Labels That Have Been Stuck on Us for Too Long? When I tell you to “stand out,” what does it make you think of? What is your initial reaction?

After reading these last pages and facing these questions, you probably want to change things. But you cannot change things without first changing yourself because many people desire change, but few are willing to change. Changing, first and foremost, requires altering your way of thinking. The Bible declares in Romans 12:2:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is. His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

The goal is not to impose change upon you, but rather to prompt you to ask yourself whether you desire change and if you are willing to pay the price for it.

Today, it’s clear that society does a lot to keep us in our comfort zones. It provides us with everything, at least to some extent, to make us feel good. In France and many European countries, many women receive assistance to support their children: RSA, family allowances, birth bonuses. In itself, this isn’t a bad thing, but it’s done to encourage women to stay at home as stay-at-home mothers.

Women can also work, start a project, run a business, and not just stay at home preparing meals and taking the kids to school. We need to be women who can revolutionize our country, our surroundings. Let’s be like Michelle Obama, Rosa Parks, and not women with no ambition. We must show that we, too, have a voice, that we can contribute to society, influence our environment, be productive – in a word, we can be more than just contributors!

In his book, “Don’t Settle for Just Existing,” Pastor Pierre-Emmanuel Jean discusses the unfortunate definition we have of work:

“The etymology of the word ‘work’ is Latin. It points to the word ‘tripalium,’ which was a torture instrument consisting of three stakes where the condemned was suspended by a hook planted in some part of their body. It’s hard to form a positive image with a name like that! In contrast, the word ‘ouvrage’ (work) carries more appealing notions, inspired by arts, creative crafts, and craftsmanship.”

In his book, the pastor explains that work is one of humanity’s primary resources. He writes:

“Our failure to regard it deprives us of its blessings. So strongly associated with money in our perceptions and its use, we’ve lost sight of its ability to produce all the wealth we need. The value of work exceeds that of the money it can provide. Even before the existence of any currency or form of exchange, work enriched humanity.

An abundance of money cannot replace work! We all remember stories of young heirs who, due to a lack of work ethic, quickly squandered the fortunes earned through long and persistent labor, just like the testator. With work, you possess the tool to start from scratch, create wealth and a future. Work will always surpass possessions and money. After all, isn’t the wealth that exists on our planet the product of work? This gift makes you capable of any kind of intervention, creation. Through its ability to transform everything it touches, it will help you realize your dream.”

It is crucial for every woman to stand out, to experience a turnaround. The question isn’t whether you need to stand out, but how to achieve it, what concrete steps you can take to get there. The first thing you must know is whether you truly desire to make that leap, to recognize and admit that you are affected.

You must become aware that you genuinely belong to the group being discussed here, namely all those women leading a minimalist life, voluntarily or involuntarily refusing to tap into their potential, capabilities, gifts, and talents with which they’ve been endowed.

Just as a doctor cannot treat a patient who refuses to admit they are ill, you won’t be able to benefit from the advice in this book as long as you continue to bury your head in the sand. In short, it all boils down to awareness. I want to lead you, all of us, to a real awakening so that together we can effect change and achieve the desired results.”

This text is from the book “The Value of Women” written by AZANLEDJI CELIA.