“I used to think I was the strangest person in the world, but then I thought, there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me, too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this, know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you.”
― Frida Kahlo
How many of us have sat silently at night, convinced we stand alone in the world in our oddness, and uncertain as to how to change? Fearing constant rejection throughout our lives?
For years I lived my life that way, believing not only was I too far outside the norm to be accepted, but that I would never truly be loved, that I would be isolated from others all of my life.
I no longer feel that way, even though I know I stand alone in many ways. Well, perhaps not truly alone, there are others like me, but I’m not sure I know them. I’ve found a way to be myself in the world, and perhaps that makes me oblivious to the thoughts of others.
Well, truthfully, I have my moments, and in those times I wonder if I’m blind to my oddities the rest of the time. If that’s the case, there’s little I can do to change now. I am who I am and I don’t know any way to be any different.
I’m not ruled by those thoughts anymore. Perhaps I was overly sensitive to them before, and made things worse by behaving in a way that matched how I believed others saw me.
This is who I am.
My World With Words 
O, an original video. I love it! (And you had me with a Frida Khalo quote right at the start!)
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Thank you! I’m able to add my own video because I have the premium plan. When I saw that quote by Frida Kahlo, I did some research about her. What a fascinating woman and incredible artist!
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I love her work, and have seen several of her original works. I have a book on her too. She was such a talent
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How many of us have sat silently at night, convinced we stand alone in the world in our oddness, and uncertain as to how to change? Fearing constant rejection throughout our lives?
There are a lot. And I do think everyone has gone into such life episode. Nonetheless, embracing uniqueness, all faults and blemishes, for me is life’s greatest meaning. 🙂
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It’s a tough journey sometimes, but you come out stronger.
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Yes. That is actually true. Every fall that you rise into makes you stronger and tougher than ever.
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I’ve always been in awe of people who have accepted their oddness (or uniqueness) right from the start, because, somewhat like you, my individuality just filled me with doubt and anxiety.
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Thank you! It’s difficult and painful, but knowing others feel the same way is really helpful.
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Heck, I still think I’m the odd man out and “looking in from the outside.” I have found a way to embrace my view of myself but still have the open-ended question about how I should go forward fitting into the big ol’ puzzle of life. I don’t live in the past but I wonder why I’ve traveled the road I have…and which road to take next. That which does not kill us makes us stronger…and I’m still here. I have more to do and more to contribute. It’s deciding what to do with all this uniqueness I still ponder even at this stage of my life. And, I’m sure I’m far from the only one in this scenario.
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I think once you realize you’re not alone in feeling that way it makes life a whole lot easier!
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Good job!
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Thank you! 🙂
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As soon as I started school, I knew I was different from my classmates. I am glad I had teachers who supported me. I was academically gifted. It wasn’t easy. I had few friends. I am glad that I learned to value myself.
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No, it isn’t easy. I had the same problem, and people don’t see it as a problem. It took me a long time but I think I’m okay now…glad you learned the value of you!
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Bravo for you may you stay authentic in 2016…I feel so much like you “alone” but not really. The 21st century has changed and we all need to change with it, not fear it, as another door will open and blessings are always on the other side, it is in our thoughts that matter, stay positive. I know I am..~Jackie http://wonderfullandofbooks.blogspot.com/
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Thank you. I’ve gotten such a wonderful response to this post. It’s really inspiring!
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Oh my! I am impressed that someone felt like I did for a good portion of her life. I will follow your blog because we have a common thread. It is also amazing that I have concluded as well that I am who I am. I care deeply for people. I do believe that I have arrived at the place where their perspective of me does not override my own, and my own is getting healthier by the moment. Sometimes this journey can be longwinded.
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Thank you! A good part of my blog is dedicated to posts like this — personal discovery — although some are lighter, some are classic movie reviews, that sort of thing, so don’t expect them all to be like this 🙂 But I’ve been amazed and so, so thrilled by the response, especially to this post, that it encourages me to write more. Funny how many of us felt like we were on the outside looking in, if we only knew the girls — and boys — sitting right next to us felt the same way!!!
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