Most of us express our distinctiveness in many ways throughout our lives. Although, as we proudly share our offbeat traits and preferences with the world, we take great pains to downplay those eccentricities we ourselves deem odd. Instead of living lives coloured by these quirky impulses, we seek out socially acceptable outlets for our peculiarities. We may not realize that we are editing ourselves in this way because our individual societal awareness is unintentionally attuned to the attitudes of the people that we encounter each day. Over time, we have learned to suppress some of the most fun aspects of individuality. To rediscover and embrace these buried traits, we need only ask ourselves what we would do if we knew for certain that no one would judge our choices.
In your musings, you may see yourself doing things such as breaking out in dance or dying your hair a fun colour. Regardless of the nature of your suppressed peculiarities, ask yourself what is really stopping you from making them a part of your life, and then resolve to incorporate at least one into your everyday existence.
Life as we know it is so short. Making the most of years we are granted is a matter of being ourselves even though we know that we will inevitably encounter people who disapprove of our choices. When you shake your tail feathers like no one is watching, you will discover that there are many others who appreciate you because you are willing to let go of any inhibition. By doing this you help others know it is okay.
My Thoughts:
My hair is almost naturally grey, but I dye it bright purple, my favourite colour. If a song I like is playing I will sing to it, often with gusto no matter where I am, and I can quite often be found enticing loved-ones to dance along with me … yes, we do get funny looks in the supermarket, but we get more smiles. We still hold hands in public, all the time, kiss for no reason and even after decades together we still make each other smile. I can be relied upon to be the one that turns up in fancy dress (even when it is not a stipulation) and I never need (much) Dutch courage to do madcap things.
It is said that growing old is compulsory but growing-up is optional. But life needs balance, so this is not who I am all the time.
When needed I am the sensible one with a rational outlook, big knickers and flat shoes. When needed I am the one people turn to when they need to talk, or need a shoulder to lean on, or a hand to help the stand tall again. When needed I am always just a phone call or a text away.
However, whenever I am not needed to be accountable … my rebel tendencies prevail, and then I like nothing more than to get up to innocent mischief.