If Carlo Acutis were on TikTok today, he probably  wouldn’t spend his time chasing trends or copying what everyone else is doing. He understood something  we often forget:  God doesn’t make copies. You (yes, you, with your  quirky laugh, your messy playlists, your crazy ideas, your strengths and weaknesses!) are one of a kind. And that uniqueness isn’t a flaw to fix: it’s your greatest treasure.

But let’s be honest:  being original costs something. In a world that rewards appearances,  daring to just be is an  act of courage.  Carlo put it bluntly: “If you don’t live out your originality, you risk dying as someone you’re not.”

When you stop being yourself, you're not the only one who loses out. The world loses a gift God meant for it, because you are unrepeatable.

Sure, it's tempting. We're surrounded by filters to beautify, soften, and correct our flaw, physical or other. Little by little, we might start measuring our worth by likes, reactions, and how well we fit into the mold we see around us: how to dress, what to feel. So we fade. We stop being ourselves. We adapt. We imitate. We shrink to fit.

What's the solution?  There's only one place  to look for your real identity, and Carlo knew it. When you know that you were made with love and intention, you start to discover who you really are. Carlo turned to God because he wanted to be a saint. Not a mass-produced saint or a nice copy. He wanted to be Carlo-the-saint (in his jersey, with his computer, direct way of speaking, passion for heaven and love for people)

Carlo didn’t try to invent  a weird persona to stand out, nor did he blend in to avoid being noticed.  He just wanted to be who God dreamed he’d be.  And that made him radically original. Holiness doesn’t  erase your identity:  it brings it to life 100%. God doesn't make copies.

Think about the times  you've stayed quiet to  make people happy.  Or the clothes, plans,  and posts you've chosen  because "everyone's doing it," not because they  reflect the real you. How many of your choices are shaped by who you think you "should be,"  not who you are? Carlo didn’t need to fit into a mold.  He knew his place was already reserved by God,  and that made him free.

Food for thought:

In a world where everyone’s trying to stand out,  Carlo shone by simply  being himself.  No filters. No copies.  Just his own light, the one God gave him.  That’s revolutionary.

How can I be an original?

Get to know yourself. Do you know what makes you different? What are your talents, passions, struggles, and dreams? Give thanks to God for all of them!

Ask God about his plan for you. It takes time (a lifetime!) to discover how God see you. Take the time to ask Him about his dreams for you and why He created you. And remember: prayer isn't just asking... it's also listening to the answer.

Do what makes you come alive (for Him and with Him). Carlo used tech to share the Gospel. What about you? What do you love? What are you good at? How could you use that to serve, to build, to leave a mark?

Why does God care about you? Why doesn't He want some ideal version of you? Because He's had dreams  for you from all eternity.  No one else loves like you, thinks like you, laughs like you, or fights like you.  Sure, you could go  through life faking, copying, fitting in, collecting shiny accomplishments and staging smiles.  Or you could be yourself  and leave a mark on the world that will never fade. Carlo chose the second option. What about you?

PRACTICAL TIPS be an original, not a photocopy

Unplug from the noise.  Try spending an hour a day away from social media so your inner voice can speak without interruptions.

PRACTICAL TIPS be an original, not a photocopy

Choose a password for  the day, a short phrase  that reminds you who are are, like, "I was made to love,  not to impress," or,  "I'm a child of God."  Stick it on your mirror,  phone, or desk.

PRACTICAL TIPS be an original, not a photocopy

Dare to be “weird” (but real). Don’t hide what you like, what moves you, what makes you different. Being yourself, with God in you soul, gives light to others. Your uniqueness becomes fruitful and holy.