It's Okay Not to Fit In The Box
From birth, we are categorized based on our biology and physical appearances. After that, we are categorized by personality, demographic, socioeconomic status, medical condition, appearance, or based on our association with someone. Without realizing it, we have industrialized our identity. We are taught that anything different is weird, but what they don't want you to know is that being different isn't a bad thing.
A lot of the time, being different is often associated with being weird because it does not match what society has taught them. Creativity is often silenced to fit the industrialized structure, so when it is expressed, people are confused or hard to understand, and people laugh and make you feel horrible for being you. In these categories, we often change others for not being the ideal or stereotype person in a certain category, which only divides us more.
Social media, which was once a great way to catch up with others, is now used to pin us against one another, along with several insecurities. In truth, no matter what you do, someone will change you. Must as well be judged for being you than trying to belong in a world that makes you suffocate.
I disagree. Being different isn't necessarily a bad thing, but not all divergence is healthy. You mention industrialized society. We do indeed give up some things in order to enjoy relative peace and prosperity. The price is conformity. Being misunderstood is indeed unpleasant, but no one owes it to us to let us "educate them" or compel them to adapt to us.
Society is an idiotic thing. A problem arises and it overcompensates. You have media holding out very high standards of beauty, then suddenly you have people yelling : I am not fat, I am a Big Beautiful Woman! Yeah, no. You are a burden to others because ultimately we all pay the price when someone gets sick, like heart disease or diabetes.Really appreciate and relate to this post. Struggling to re-identify my tribe after years of different "illness" categories and groups, professional balance, and now parenthood as well. Feels grateful to connect with others who feel an understanding of that. Warmly, Amanda (previous Moderator, community member)
thank you so much for your kind words
Your thoughts are exact! The often label of being misunderstood or some people consider you weird is "Real Talk". I've tried to be the voice of reason for myself and many who fit into the similar tag "mental health". Everyone matters! Thanks for sharing
Of course! Keep going
At the age of 63, I am finally comfortable with most of me. Growing up as a tall female who struggled with weight gain gave me some strengths. If people become catty or cruel on social media, I quit following them. If it persists, I block them.
I have enough medical diagnoses to manage, and I don't have time to live up to what everyone thinks. I am much happier being myself.
Be yourself! You will find your tribe. It may be smaller than you thought you wanted, but your tribe will support you.
I try to think of making a choice about proposed changes. If they don't fit my personality, I choose to not make those changes.
Please know that we have all felt the way you do.
Mary SophiaThank you for sharing your story! 😀
