Being Authentically Weird

I'm an introvert, yet I accept that it's essential to establish an identity with many people in the world to live a good life.  Being an introvert has created a conflict in my Self-Talk more times than I can count; meeting a group of new clients, wanting to stand up to someone who's actions I disagree with, getting a surprise call from a board member who I don't know well, and the list goes on.  The dominant thought that my Self-Talk fires into my mind is "Don't be weird!!!"

The Benefits of Being Weird

Once I get over the realization that my first thought is to 'not be weird' is, in itself, weird, I toss myself the line:  "I LOVE being authentically weird!"  Being authentically weird helps me remember that if we weren't all weird, it would be impossible to learn anything.  It helps me not forget that only by offering weird thinking can we be truly helpful to people.  It helps me to remember that every ecological system that has ever existed has survived and thrived because of the individual's weirdness that brought forth new thinking.

Embracing Weirdness

When I toss myself the line (and I accept it), I'm able to maintain my stand and be centered.  I speak and act from a place of authenticity; I'm very consistent with myself without worrying about trying to fit into my weak interpretation of what I think the other person might be expecting.

"When you start living as your true self, weirdness and all, you give permission for those around you to do the same." - James McCrae, Huffpost

I'm often surprised at how positively people react to my thinking, as weird as it seemed before I spoke it.  Have you ever noticed what happens when you ask someone for input, and they tell you something very different than what you were expecting?

When I notice someone reflecting like they are asking themselves the question, "Are they going to think I'm weird?", I toss the line, "I LOVE being authentically weird!  Please say what you are thinking."

‍