What is one word that describes you?
This question made me smile. I’ve felt weird my whole life. I made up a club called the Weird Happys (sic.) in middle school and invited all my interesting, smart, non-traditional friends to join.
I’ve always been weird, non-standard and rather off center. That’s never been a problem except when I wanted someone I found fascinating and atypical to be my friend, but it turned out I wasn’t their kind of weird. Trying to fit in NEVER has worked. I eventually wear out my welcome and am shown the door. Like:
- My previous job
- My church (was informed I no longer fit their demographic because I liked small, community oriented congregations)
- The animal welfare group I helped found (those of you who know, know why)
- La Leche League (turns out I’m not a good cult candidate)
- The yarn shop friends where I used to teach knitting and crochet (some individuals are still friendly, though)
- My book group (they ghosted me!)
- My marriage to my kids’ dad
- Etc.
I felt bad about these things at the time, but now I realize I don’t need to put my weirdness where it bothers others. I have choices, and it’s better to be true to myself than to try to fit in.
Anyway, my word is weird, and I’m happy now. I’ll enjoy the communities I have now while I can, and move on gracefully when it becomes apparent that I’m not a good fit.
But hey, I still feel accepted by most people in my Master Naturalist group (I don’t expect them to all love me, just to work together). And I’m doing okay in the little horse community I’ve found myself in, thanks to us all loving horses! That’s plenty of folks to be weird around.
Plus, my hobbies and family keep me happy and centered. I can be a Weird Happy!
The Hermits' Rest 