You Are Irreplaceable This Lifetime(Excerpt)
As a teenager，I felt I was always letting people down.I was rebellious outside，but I wanted to be liked inside.
Once I left home to hitchhike to California with my friend Penelope.The trip wasn't easy，and there were many times I didn't feel safe.One situation in particular kept me grateful for still being alive.When I returned home，I was different，not so outwardly sure of myself.
I was happy to be home.But then I noticed that Penelope，who was staying with us，was wearing my clothes.And my family seemed to like her better than me.I wondered if I would be missed if I weren't there.I told my mom，and she explained that though Penelope was a lovely girl，no one could replace me.I pointed out，“She is more patient and is neater than I have ever been.” My mom said these were wonderful qualities，but I was the only person who could fill my own role.She made me realize that even with my faults—and there were many—I was a loved member of the family and couldn't be replaced.
I became a searcher，wanting to find out who I was and what made me unique.My view of myself was changing.I wanted a solid base to start from.I started to resist pressure to act in ways that I didn't like any more，and I was delighted by who I really was.I came to feel much more sure that no one can ever take my place.
