Embracing the weirdness

I was having a conversation with the hubby the other day and it went something like this:

“I know this is dumb, but I…blah blah”  then I said  “I know this is lame but I feel like…” then I told him “this is really weird but I want to…”.  Finally he interrupted me with “why do you think everything you think, do or want is dumb, lame or weird??”  Huh.  I was speechless for a minute because I hadn’t realized that all of those insecure thoughts in my head were coming out in my conversation.  I was actually a little ashamed to realize that I was criticizing the part of my personality that essentially makes me who I am…the weird and quirky, yet fun and loveable side of me.  I was labeling my unique and oddball ways as “lame” or “dumb” because I was afraid that’s how others would view them.

 

My Weirdness

In case you’re wondering what kind of quirky or oddball things I might be tempted to hide:

* When I’m alone in the care I love playing drums on the steering wheel and belting out the song like I’m in concert

* When I’m cooking, I love to play loud music and dance around with my apron on and my spatula in my hand – feel the beat!

* I try to avoid the number 3 as much as possible…can’t explain it, just don’t like that number

* I really do treat my dogs like they’re my kids – they have a stroller for long walks, they only get filtered water & they only eat grain-free organic food

* If I could go the rest of my life not wearing shoes I would…instead I live in flip flops, even through the winter

* I have to wear my watch really loose on my wrist because if it’s too tight I feel claustraphobic and can’t breathe

* I am addicted to the TV show Friends and I own all 10 seasons on DVD – which I watch all the time.  I’ll probably wear out the discs

* I love paint by numbers!  I find it relaxing and when I have a finished painting I feel so accomplished!

 

I don’t want you to get completely bored so I’m sure that’s enough and you get the picture.  I feel like that’s my weird side.  I’m pretty sure someone would regard me as really weird if they found out during our first meeting that I don’t like the number 3 and my dogs ride in a stroller.  That’s like “cross the street the weird lady is coming” material!

But what I’ve come to realize is that that’s ok.  If dancing around my house singing into a spatula makes me happy then that’s what makes me happy and what others might think has no bearing at all.  If treating my dogs like my kids because I’m unable to have real little humans gives me a sense of fulfillment, then call me the crazy dog lady but that’s ok!  My weird side is part of who I am and as soon as I learn to embrace it I will start to feel more at peace with myself and will be able to be more happy with myself overall.

 

EVERYONE has a weird side, I guarantee it.

And you know why?  Because there is no definitive meaning to the word “weird”.  It is completely subjective.  What I think is weird is different than what my hubby thinks is weird which is different than what our friends think is weird.  Some people think it’s weird that I write a blog, but to others it’s a legitimate way of life and a career.  Others might think it’s weird to want to go to an office every day for work, but to the masses that’s just normal.  I think it’s really werid that we have to wear shoes everywhere, but that’s just pretty much a societal norm.  So one of the best things about weirdness is that it’s everywhere, in everyone!

Now when I’m tempted to label myself as “weird” or “odd” I just remember that…every single person is weird in their own way.  That’s what makes the world such a unique, fun experience – we have to learn to appreciate ourselves and everyone else around us for their weirdness.  We’ll be happier with ourselves and also make some reall cool friends in the process.  Never be afraid to embrace your weirdness and come out of your shell…it’s hard the first time, like trying to work up the nerve to take that first ride on a big roller coaster.  But the first time you really let yourself be who you are around others you’ll find that it’s such a freeing, rewarding feeling you’ll never hide your weird side again!

 

Embrace the Weirdness!!