The Lessons My Father Taught Me: Embracing Individuality in a World of Conformity

Growing up, Sundays held a special place in my heart, thanks to a unique ritual I shared with my father. Our small living room would magically transform into an art studio where the two of us would paint together. His big easel stood tall beside my little one, and as Beethoven's 9th Symphony blasted in the background, we would immerse ourselves in the world of colors and creativity. For two blissful hours before lunch, it was just me, my father, and our art—accompanied by the comforting smells and sounds of Sunday chicken curry wafting from the kitchen just a few feet away. It was a tiny apartment, but those moments made it feel like the most expansive and vibrant place on earth.

One Sunday, I found myself working on a painting inspired by a recent trip to South India. My father worked for the Indian Railways, and as a result, I practically grew up on trains. This particular painting was a beautiful landscape that captured the essence of that journey: a perfect sunrise over blue hills, green fields, and a farmer with two oxen pulling a traditional plow. I was content with how the painting was turning out, but when it came time to paint the sky, I suddenly found myself at a loss.

My brush hovered over the canvas, undecided, as I contemplated the sky. Should it be pink, gold, or blue? None of these colors felt quite right to me. I paused, unsure of what to do next.

Sensing my hesitation, my father asked why I had stopped. I confessed that I didn’t know what color to paint the sky. I was searching for the “right” color, but none of the obvious choices seemed to capture the feeling I wanted to convey.

In his gentle way, my father suggested that I close my eyes. I did as he said, unsure of what to expect. He then asked me what color I saw when I imagined the sky in my mind’s eye. To my surprise, the color that emerged was black. My sunrise was black.

For a moment, I hesitated. A black sunrise seemed wrong, unconventional. Sunrises were supposed to be warm and bright, full of life and light. Yet, here I was, seeing it as black. But before I could question myself further, my father reached for the black paint, daubed some on my palette, and handed it to me with a smile.

His exact words to me were, "If you close your eyes and see it true, black sunrises are ok."

That morning, in our little living room, my father taught me one of the most important lessons of my life:

• It's okay to be different.

• It's okay to go against the grain.

• If you close your eyes and see it true, black sunrises are okay.

Embracing Individuality in the Workplace

The lesson my father taught me all those years ago resonates with me to this day, especially in the context of diversity and inclusion. Many companies are doing a commendable job of hiring diverse talent. In fact, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), employee sentiment on diversity has risen to 52% positive. This is an encouraging sign that organizations are recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences in the workplace.

However, the same SHRM report reveals a different story when it comes to inclusion. A significant 61% of employees have a negative assessment of inclusion within their organizations. This disconnect highlights a critical issue: while companies may be successful in bringing diverse individuals through the door, they are struggling to create environments where those individuals feel truly included and valued.

Inclusion goes beyond simply having a seat at the table. It requires companies to genuinely embrace individuality and welcome all perspectives, not just the ones that align with the majority. It means creating spaces where every voice is heard, every experience is acknowledged, and every "sunrise" is celebrated—whether it’s pink, blue, or even black.

The Power of Seeing Things Differently

In life, as in art, we often encounter expectations about how things should be. There’s a tendency to conform to societal norms, to paint our skies in the colors that are most accepted, most familiar. But my father’s lesson reminds us that it’s okay to see things differently, to challenge the status quo, and to embrace our unique perspectives.

This principle is not only applicable in our personal lives but also in our professional environments. When we allow ourselves to see the world through our own lens—whether that means painting a black sunrise or bringing a fresh, unconventional idea to the table—we open up possibilities for innovation, creativity, and growth.

Inclusion is about more than just diversity statistics. It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to bring their whole selves to work, where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated. It’s about recognizing that each person’s perspective adds a unique and valuable brushstroke to the larger picture.

The Canvas of Life

Our diverse experiences, perspectives, and stories deserve a place on life’s canvas. Just as my father encouraged me to trust my own vision and paint the sky black, we should encourage ourselves and others to trust their unique perspectives and contribute them to the world around us.

So, close your eyes and see it true. What shows up for you? What unique perspective do you bring to the table that others might not see? Embrace it. Paint your sky in whatever color feels true to you, and know that it’s okay to be different. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s necessary.

A Tribute to My Father

My father passed away in 2014, but stories like this one are the technicolor of my memories of him. His wisdom, his encouragement to see the world differently, and his unwavering support have shaped the person I am today. I am forever grateful for the lessons he taught me, lessons that continue to guide me in my life and work.

On this Father’s Day, I want to say, “Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!” Thank you for teaching me all those years ago that it was okay to see things differently. Thank you for showing me that black sunrises are just as beautiful as any other. I miss you, but your lessons live on in my heart and in everything I do.

As we move forward in our lives, let’s all strive to create environments—both in our personal lives and in our workplaces—where every sunrise is welcomed, every perspective is valued, and every individual feels included. After all, it’s in these diverse and inclusive spaces that true creativity, innovation, and belonging flourish.