I was a bully magnet all through school and even at some adult workplaces. But don’t despair, Dear Reader. Throughout my childhood and into adulthood I’ve learned that the key is to find a tribe that is my kind of weird. I’ve had a few great, loyal friends and that certainty makes the bullies easier to bear. Many creative people are viewed as weird. My friends use the word quirky to describe me now. And they say it with complete acceptance, even admiration in some cases, and much love. So, if you’ve ever been labeled or bullied, here are some quotes to lift you up.
“Be Yourself, because the people who mind don’t matter. And the people that matter don’t mind.” Dr. Seuss.
“The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself. “ Rita Mae Brown
“Don’t chase people. Be yourself, do your own thing, and work hard. The right people-the ones who really belong in your life- will come to you, and stay.“ Will Smith
“My philosophy is: it’s none of my business what people say of me and think of me. I am what I am and I do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. And it makes life so much easier.” Sir Anthony Hopkins
“Follow your inner moonlight. Don’t hide the madness.” Allen Ginsberg
“Today you are YOU, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss
I like this so much. I was out of school a long time before I realized that being a geek was not only fine--I really liked it a lot!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've embraced your inner geekiness. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteI remember a graduation speech Bill Gates did about 10 years ago. He said something like Look around you at the geeks you tormented during school. You are now looking at your boss. I use the Eccentricity of Genus, which was a popular saying at our house growing up.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. Thank you for your post.
DeleteI don't know any creative people who fit the mold of the masses.
ReplyDeleteNor do I. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteYeah, we were all geeks, right? I think it's a creative thing. No one could understand how I could love high school college prep math and English Lit. at the same time. Great post. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteFabulous post, Bea. I think everyone wants to be "popular," but the price of "fitting in" is too high, and maybe we geeks, eccentrics, oddballs—whatever word you want to use to label those who are different—know that and are unwilling to pay that price.
ReplyDelete