December 8th Reverb10 Prompt: Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Karen Walrond)
I can easily attest that I am different than normal 23-year-olds. But mostly, I don’t think of that differently in a funky, off-the-wall way. I think of it in a negative way. I am different, but I want to be just like them. I am different, but I’m not happy being so.
It’s funny because as out of place as I feel in the real world, I feel so much more acceptance and unity from the blogging community. I open Google Reader and I find people who are just like me. We may not be exactly alike (who is?), but there are so many facets of your personality that mesh perfectly with mine. I’m finding that maybe it’s not so bad to be different. And I’m learning to accept my difference. Such as…
- …being a homebody and loving nights in way more than nights out.
- …knowing that curling up with a good book is one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend.
- …being obsessed with running, thinking about running, and worried over pace calculations.
- …not having any inclination in my body to drink. Whether it be beer or wine or mixed drinks, there’s nothing in it for me. I just don’t like the taste and I’m not afraid to admit that.
- …being health-conscious and focused on what’s good for my body, not just for a short while, but for my life.
- …realizing that being health-conscious is really, really hard and rife with struggles and ups and downs.
- …having a best friend in my mother and knowing that spending time with her keeps me sane.
- …finding out that being an introvert is a part of me, as much as my green eyes. And I’m learning to love this.
- …having a huge network of support and knowing these words I’m writing down will be read by people who love me. You guys are my favorites. All of you.
Aww, I love all these things – it makes me happy when people embrace their differences and what makes them special 🙂
Those are all great things to be "different" about. Keep up the passion for running girlie!
Yet another reason why I love the blog world, you can find people who love you for you and aren't going to judge you because of little differences.
You rock Steph!
Those are definitely things that make you beautifully different 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
What a great list! I think that as you get older, you will embrace these even more and be proud of what makes you different – and glad that you aren't like the typical 20-something… I felt the same way at your age. I hope that doesn't come off at condescending, but I am 29 now, so have traveled through my 20s and I know what you are going through and the struggles ahead… But it does get better and you WILL love yourself a little more each year. I no longer apologize for not liking to stay out. I don't hide the fact that I love to read and knit. I am a old soul, but that's what makes me who I am. 🙂
Lots & lots & lots of love. Blogging is a pretty good gig, huh?
I love that your first two ways of being different are things I love too! The blogging network really is amazing, hmm?
I totally am right there with you on the mom thing! I am the same way with my mom and I wouldn't change it for the world 🙂
The great thing about blogging is it helps us to realize that who we are is just who we need to be and that we help each other get from where we are and where we want to be!
Awwww! Steph your posts are so cute! Seriously. I'm all about like 90% of the things you mentioned up there. People who can't appreciate curling up with a good book DON'T know what they're missing! I mean really. 🙂
I feel the same way about being more understood by the blog community. I think it's partly the people themselves and partly that it just takes a long time for me to feel comfortable and like myself with people, and this medium gives me that time. I'm so thankful to have this place!
Totally loved that… especially the part that you don't drink. I hardly ever drink anything either (because I don't like the taste!) and I ALWAYS get weird comments if I say that I just don't like alcohol. Good to know I am not alone!!
I was a party animal for a few months and then I realized I was tired of waking up late and/or hungover. Now J and I spent most weekends watching movies and playing video games. And although I still enjoy a drink every now and then, I don't drink near as much as I used to.
Totally loved that… especially the part that you don't drink. I hardly ever drink anything either (because I don't like the taste!) and I ALWAYS get weird comments if I say that I just don't like alcohol. Good to know I am not alone!!