“You are weird.”
“No, you are weird!”
“No, you are weird!”
Who hasn’t heard kids saying this? In my house, it is usually my boys and I. After this interaction, I look at them and say, “When you are my age you are considered eccentric.” Usually, they just giggle and reply, “Mom, you are weird.”
In my world, those words send a shiver down my back. The last thing I want to me is conforming – hell no! Have you met me? I am the one with purple hair and a…let’s say a large personality.
Celebrate your uniqueness
I thrive on being a rebel, an individual, and the last thing I want to be is normal. The definition of normal is conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected. It simply creeps me out. I love my uniqueness. I celebrate it every day when I march to the beat to my own drum, hear theme song in my head, when I choose what to wear, when I pick my favorites shoes… I know that I am not like anyone else, I am me – the saying comes to mind, be yourself, everyone else is taken. I choose to celebrate my uniqueness out loud.
Our uniqueness is our strength; it is who we are. Mine is bold and visible yet, for many, the uniqueness lies beneath and rarely comes to visit.
Time thinking about what other people think of you is wasted time
“Unfortunately, society encourages us all to look and act a certain way, and anything that even vaguely goes against those societal norms is often challenged or ridiculed. This can make it hard to stay true to you – but if you’re not, your happiness will suffer.” Sarah Newton
I spent way too much time worrying about what other people think – I know that I am not the only one. I did a lot of work, and I am mostly free of it now, yet I see so many amazing, unique women around me who do worry about it. It is insane. There is no time like today to stop worrying and let your amazing uniqueness come out. Stand up and say, “Screw you! I am who I am.”
Loving your inner weirdo
How do you even start to let go of what will people think and celebrate your uniqueness? Brene Brown suggests the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are. That sounds lovely, but how does that translate into what to do?
Here as some suggestions on how to let go of what others think and celebrate your amazing uniqueness.
- Practice self-acceptance.
Start an appreciation journal and every day put down what you are most proud of. Decisions you made, times that you were nice to yourself, which means no more beating yourself up! We are done with that! Make a note of things you have learned about yourself and write about the times when you stayed true to you.
- Stop looking for approval from others.
Notice when you are seeking approval from others or wanting others to say it is we. Give yourself the approval – you go this! No more seconding guessing. It is your life, and the only approval you need is from you.Yes, there will be times you make bad decisions, yet it is just part of life.
- Surround yourself with supportive people – Find your tribe!
It is not just you, there is nothing wrong with you, and you don’t need to be fixed. Find the people who support and encourage YOU!
It is time to start celebrating the amazing unique individual you are and if you need help, click here.