Sometimes I feel like I’m not quite cool enough. Sometimes I feel like I’m just not popular enough. Sometimes I feel like I don’t fit in the same way other people do.
Sometimes I feel like there is a group who maybe doesn’t really want me there. Sometimes I wonder why I wasn’t invited. Sometimes I wonder why I wasn’t included. Sometimes, when I approach a group of people, I get the awful sinking feeling that they are only talking about me.
Sometimes I feel like the same 16-year-old girl who didn’t know where to sit in the cafeteria.
Who didn’t belong with the popular girls. Who didn’t belong with the sporty girls.
Who didn’t belong with the theater girls. Who didn’t belong with the band girls.
And then I remember this one beautiful truth: even though I may feel like that same, insecure, trying-too-hard, what-is-everyone-else-doing, why-can’t-I-be-like them girl, I’m not. I’m not her anymore.
I still look a lot like her. I still have some of the same quirks as her, but I’m not her. Thank you, Lord.
I’ve learned too much since then. I’ve grown too much since then. I’ve cried too many tears since then. I’ve dried too many tears since then. I’ve been through too many hard things and come out still standing upright since then.
I may feel like her from time to time, but I’m not her. I’m wiser. I’m stronger. I’m better in most ways.
These aren’t wrinkles on my forehead. These are signs of confidence. These aren’t stretch marks on my stomach. These are the battle wounds that a constant worryer has developed into a freaking war veteran.
I know something she didn’t. I know how make my own table. I know how to do what I want. I can enjoy my own company. I know how to be thankful for my little tribe. I am proud of the person God created me to become, regardless of whether I do it alone or with thousands.
Sometimes, not belonging can be the greatest gift. I know that sometimes sticking out is the greatest compliment you can ever give.
I know that the world won’t change if I’m busy blending into the crowds and the cliques, or constantly changing myself to earn their cheers.
I know that being popular is highly overrated. I know I’m content with who and what I am.
I hope you also realize that. That you aren’t the same girl you used to be, you don’t have to worry about fitting in anymore and you don’t have to try so hard anymore.
You are free to be the person God created you to become.
That you don’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea and you don’t have to be anything or anyone you don’t want to be.
You do you, friend. You do it with a smile. You do it with love. You do it with all your confidence.
You do it bright, and if it burns other people’s eyes, so be it. Tell them to put on their cheap sunglasses cause it’s about to get light up in here, and then just keep on shining with everything you have. Life’s too short to be dim.
About the Author
Amy Weatherly loves red lipstick, graphic tees, and Diet Dr. Pepper. Her family is her most important home. Her passion is helping women find courage and confidence and the deep-rooted knowledge that they have a purpose in life. She has a NEW book called ‘I’LL BE THERE‘ available on Amazon.
She shares her thoughts about motherhood, life and other stuff on her website, Facebook and Instagram. Follow her!
You can submit essays (reflections about life), personal stories (inspirational, humorous), or something you saw that inspired you. Please go here Click HERE.
