Were you one of those kids who wanted to fit in -- to be accepted by your peers? I remember periods of being less coordinated as my body grew and I had not mastered who I was becoming. Standing on the sidelines to be picked on a team was intimidating, especially when I was selected last.
Comparing and judging seems to be universal as humans: we are hardwired to seek out what is safe, normal, or just like us... and protect ourselves from being hurt or singled out for being unique.
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| Do you want to be normal or unique? ~~ Click on image to enlarge ~~ (Photo credit: Pickles, Brian Crane) |
By the 6th grade I was befriended by an adult who saw that I had talent as a runner. Having a relative, friend or work colleague identify and encourage us is life giving: the ability to believe in our own worth and value cannot be underestimated. There is freedom that comes from belonging AND standing apart: it creates that individual spark which illuminates even the darkest of moments.
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| When are you unique? (Photo: San Francisco skyline at night, Larry Gardepie) |
I guess I am reliving these earlier childhood memories of wanting to belong because of the societal drive to "return to normal" after these long pandemic-influenced months. The pressure to conform and not stand out rises in me, bringing to mind those uncoordinated responses as my mind and body was evolving as a child.
I want to shout, "What about the uniqueness of Who I Am and my decisions to value self and protect others?"
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| Where can you stand out? (Photo: narrow street in Old Town Toledo, Spain) |
I wonder, do we ever:
- Outgrow our childhood methods to select and accept others?
- Overcome how we think or feel when we are not chosen?
- Become comfortable with our Unique Self?
As we listen to what others ask of us this week, may we celebrate the times when we are uniquely normal and bless those times when we are called to be normally unique.
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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