Being "Different" In A Cookie Cutter World

Without making too much of it, I think it's fair to say that, for the most part, people find it difficult to be different from the "the norm". There's always a great deal of pressure, from without and also from within, to fit in, to be one of the guys (or gals), to conform. If it turns out that you are unlike the "norm" in any significant way, this can create a considerable degree of tension, distress, uncertainty, self loathing and self doubt. When this happens, it is of crucial importance that you find people who can support and celebrate your differences, or simply somehow give you permission to be who you are.

Learning to accept oneself is a difficult enough challenge under the best of conditions. Throw in being a bit "odd", or unusual, or just a little "out of the box", and this developmental task can take on seemingly impossible proportions. I'd like to encourage all of you "differents" out there to take hope. Instead of waiting for the world to catch up to you, and berating yourself in the meanwhile, try on the idea that the rest of the world will not be likely to catch up, and that you can move forward blazing new paths without that happening.

I'm not recommending being isolated in your difference - although some of this may be inevitable because of rejection and misunderstanding. I urge you instead to cultivate the appreciation and support of those who can see you for who you are. Having the right kind of reflection of yourself from these people will help you to soar, or simply to feel at home in your own skin.



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