As I sneezed my way through the yard a few weeks ago, I stopped to admire these white azaleas. On a shrub of nearly identical white blooms, one flower said, “No thank you,” and showed up with a fuchsia stripe. Do the damn thing! I see you.
Blending in isn’t my thing. I’ve always been drawn to bright colors and expressive hobbies. In college and in my early twenties, I started falling into the black hole of conformity. Life is complicated, and sometimes it’s just easier to follow someone else’s lead. However, if you’re not careful, you’ll abandon parts of yourself along the way. I know this because it happened to me—I was afflicted with the disease to please. I wanted everyone to like me and did all I could to shape their opinions.
A few weeks after Ramon died, I saw this quote (of uncertain origin):
“I have limited time left on this planet, and I’m not going to spend it being a watered down version of myself just so people can like me.”
I let out an audible “YESSSS!” as I read it. At the time, I was too griefy and depleted to even attempt to control how others saw me. I only had the energy to be my most authentic self.
And that’s how it should always be. This life is yours. Should you be kind to others and lead with love? Yes. But should you stifle who you are to match what others might expect from you? Heck no.
Wear your fuschia stripe proudly!
Also: Thank you!
In the ten days since I launched my annual campaign for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, I’ve received more than $2,700 in donations. BOOM! For those who have already contributed, THANK YOU! I’m working on personalized messages this weekend.
If you haven’t yet read my latest CF update, please do! It’s a big life change, and I appreciate your encouragement.
End your week (and mine!) on a positive note by making a donation today!
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