Be You, Be Kind

Hello from the farm in S Oregon. The next time you open up The Bloom, I expect to be halfway across the U.S. In the past I've posted videos, pictures, and comments of my cross-country drive on Facebook. Intend to do the same this trip, so look me up and follow along!

Do you ever feel weird or a little different? I know I have at different times over the years. Driving back and forth between the east and west coasts of the United States has put me in a lot of different communities. Sometimes my accent isn't like everyone else's or I call a certain kind of sandwich a "sub" and the locals might refer to it as a "hoagie" or a "hero". Other times I notice that I just look at the world from another perspective or through a lens that is not the same. At times it can be uncomfortable and awkward. When we are with people, friends, or family who think like we do, it feels like we belong. Feeling like an "outsider" can stir up some strong feelings. We might want to hide or we might become defiant and want to fly our freak flag!

I love the definition of "fly your freak flag" from thefreedictionary.com...

To behave in or embrace an unusual, unconventional, or uninhibited manner or mode of being

Shrek the Musical, about a large, green, gentle ogre features the song, "Freak Flag". It's all about accepting ourselves as we are. But what happens when we feel so oppositional or out of sync? We can become defensive, even if no one is really pushing back against us. It's hard to understand how someone doesn't see things the way we do. It can also be challenging when we realize we have a very unique perspective.

The key to sorting this all out is through kindness and compassion, both for self and others. In some way, we all have a part of ourselves that might seem a little bizarre or "off center". I say embrace it. I started putting purple streaks in my hair almost ten years ago, before it became "popular". My hairdresser suggested it and it felt like an accurate, outward expression of my personality. It's become my "thing" and a lot of people associate the purple hair with me. At first I worried that it seemed too aggressive, however I've noticed that most people find me approachable. I'm a little avant guard and obviously don't give a f^*k about "rules and regulations" and I have an open mind... or something like that.

Feel free to make a statement. Express yourself and even if someone rolls their eyes or gives you the side-eye, try to be understanding. They haven't discovered the sheer joy of flying their own freak flag and maybe you can help give them permission to! All of this, I wish for you.

Feeling misunderstood? Hit me up for a complementary Discovery Session. I'm listening.

Sparkles and Love,