I knew I was different, especially during my teens when deviating from the herd was social suicide. I was so odd that there wasn't even a special sub-clique for people like me. But high school is a terrible place to learn individuality and self-worth. Only certain types of people are rewarded—by peers, by teachers, by the system.
Fortunately, things changed for me in college. I majored in a field where originality and uniqueness are valuable assets. Ironically, I fit in with people who weren't concerned with fitting in. My opinion of myself, and my life, improved greatly. Different is good.
It wasn't a difficult leap, then, for me to sell my house, divest myself of most of my possessions, disconnect myself from conventional society and start living in a van. It's not normal, but so what? I'm no longer concerned with being popular. But, you know, I wouldn't mind having women flocking around me, drawn by my sexy oddness.
That peacock is beautiful! And so are you. But I love my husband so I won't come flocking around you. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteI know what U mean saying that not belonging into the herd is very hard, specially if you are a girl, the girls don't like U & the boys bully you in school & high school ( & everywhere ); the advantage to ' the whole thing ' is often times- like in my case- U learn to learn to defend yourself in the most creative ways !!
ReplyDeleteNo doubt that albino peacock stands out in his crowd and gets noticed for his uniqueness. :-)
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