Stay Weird

The other day scrolling through Instagram, I came across this post where the lady asked: “What is your uniqueness?”. After some thought, I knew the answer: I’m weird. The post came with the paragraph below. Realizing our uniqueness and accepting it, is what give us value, what’s more, we give value to others. So here, I am going to stay weird.

“Loving yourself involves the discovery of the true wonder of you, not only the present you, but the many possibilities of you. It involves the continual realization that you are unique, like no other person in the world, that life is or should be, the discovery, the development and the sharing of this uniqueness.” ~ Leo F. Buscaglia

What is Being Weird?

In the good words of John Lennon: “It’s weird to not be weird”.  Have you ever felt out of place because you were “different”? Good news!! You are not alone!

Weird is not being creepy! Weird is suggesting something supernatural; uncanny. Uncanny is having or seeming to have a supernatural or inexplicable basis; beyond the ordinary or normal; extraordinary! I take extraordinary every day! What about you?

Those “weird” people are breaking the mold, are transforming the world, are not following the herd. They are making new paths, are breaking barriers, living life at large not caring what others think about them.

Take for example the powerful acceptance speech Graham Moore did at the Oscars when he won Best Adapted Screenplay for “The Imitation Game”.

“I would like for this moment to be for that kid out there who feels like she’s weird or she’s different or she doesn’t fit in anywhere. Yes, you do. I promise you do. You do. Stay weird. Stay different. And then when it’s your turn and you are standing on the stage, please pass the same message to the next person who comes along.” ~ Graham Moore

Like him, embracing our uniqueness may require us to be vulnerable. Exposing ourselves out there, where the critics are eager to roast you with harsh words. However, that may seem a small price to pay compared to the impact made in others living a similar life. That light of hope is what is needed in the world. We pass on the courage and strength to others, and they will do the same. Just like what Martin Luther King Jr. did with his speech: Encourage others and change the world. (Not calling him weird, just using as an example of how encouraging and uplifting people may result in a change in the world.)

Here’s a Weird Idea

Next time you have a crazy idea to empower people, shout it out for everyone to listen. The ideas that make sense to us may not click right away with others, still, that doesn’t mean that is wrong or bad, just different. Is that difference what set us apart and make our uniqueness stand out. Then again, let it shine not hide it from the world.

My point is, why not? Why not be this out of the box person that has gawky social skills not out of rudeness but their minds are not wired the same, that doesn’t like to talk on the phone and who also makes funny jokes that no one seems to understand and that refuse to let go of their inner child in spite of being told to grow up? Why we have to “adapt” to a normal?

NO, we don’t have to, but because the word weird has a bad overtone we don’t want to be called “weird”. Nonetheless, we all are weird, in some way or another. Society shows us a way and makes us think is the only way, but it isn’t. Especially now, that we -the people- are embracing difference and change in a better way with an open mind like never before. 

Be you, don’t get discouraged. Stand behind your ideas and projects. You will find people that will understand your creativity, your tribe. Be happy, accepting who you are and your differences. My friend, stay weird!