I want to be an oddball, a perfect fit for my skin,

imperfect at fitting in.

The hallowed halls of high school sent us scurrying

to one group or another to prevent the label of

oddball from landing on our shoulders. We hid our

differences and created a sameness for the sake of

acceptance. As adults, many of us still strain to be

the same.

Squeezing yourself into the mold of one group,

excludes you from another, and regardless of how

uncomfortable the fit, you're 'in', you're liked, you

belong. You may even feel like a contortionist, but

as long as no one sees the real you, you're accepted.

What a waste of potter's clay.

The very things that make you different are the

unique and precious features that you alone - own.

They are individual endowments from your Creator,

divine differences that fan the flame of your fire

here on earth.

Understanding that your differences are exceptional

gifts, cultivates confidence, the kind of confidence

that moves you from one group to another with ease.

Acceptance by some and rejection by others doesn't

elevate or dent your self esteem. Their opinions have

no power to change the truth of who you are.

I do not count the years I spent 'fitting in' as wasted.

I learned how it feels to be roped in and held down

by my own hand, and I learned how to untie the

restrictions I'd bound around myself. I learned that

the mold was broken for each and every one of us,

and I learned how it feels to walk free.

Now I can say, with complete self assurance and a

genuine chuckle, I want to be an oddball.

Living in love and loving life,