on different...

For many, many, many years of my life I have had an internal battle with myself about being different. When I was younger, I just to get so angry at myself for perceiving myself to be different than others. On one hand, I embrace my uniqueness, but on the other hand, I have struggled with being a misfit in society. For example, when I was in high school, I used to love funky things; I've always had a short stylish haircut, when most girls had long hair; I wore big earrings, when the norm was small; I wore colorful clothing, when most wore black. I can remember being in my senior year retreat, in high school, when one of the retreat leaders encouraged me to open up, to share myself with others, and to embrace the unique me. Well, one might take that as a huge compliment, and be able to make some personality adjustments pretty quickly, but not me! Nope, I struggled with myself, with my uniqueness for many, many, many years to follow. I has not been until recently, like probably over the 5 to 7 years that I have really been able to embrace the person I am, the unique me. Still, from time to time, I feel like a misfit, but I know at those times I just need to quiet my inner demon, and go with the flow. I know that I am colorful, and smiley, and bubbly, which are all very good qualities, so why would I ever want to change or modify my personality or behavior?!?!? What I have discovered is that society is the party that makes us feel like we stand out like a sore thumb, if we do not look the same way as others, or dress the same way as everyone else, or drive the same car as others drive. It is society that enables us to give our personal power up, and make us feel like we are not good enough, pretty enough, or smart enough to fit in. But what the heck does society know?!?!? Society speaks to us through media, through ads, through trends. Trends come and go, but we we are, who we are inside, is what really sticks around forever. If we can focus on what WE like, or how WE feel, and not be swayed by what society tells us we should like, or how we should feel, we will ultimately be happier. Now that I am in my forties, I realize that I like my clothes, I like my shoes, I like that I am creative, and perhaps think a little bit different than others. But when we break things down, are we really different than anyone else? Are we really different than the person in the ad, or the other people at the party? No, deep down inside, we are all pretty much the same. We do have certain characteristics that make us different than others, but that is what makes us all unique. So embrace, and LOVE who you are! After all, it is a blessing to be just a little be different than the rest!

Today's activity: be different

Today I encourage you to embrace your uniqueness and CHOOSE TO BE DIFFERENT! Look in the mirror, look in your closet, look at your car, look at your likes and dislikes, and embrace them! Just because society tells you can't wear white after Labor Day, you can! After all, who made up that rule anyway? Now don't get me wrong, I am not encouraging you to do something rash like drive on the opposite side of the road, I am merely saying, embrace all of the lovely talents, skills, and beauty that our Higher Power has given you! We were created uniquely out of love, therefore, we need to celebrate our uniqueness. Embrace the little things in life that make you smile, that charge your battery, and that make your world go around...these are the things that make you...YOU! Enjoy...xo!