The Odd One Out

Yesterday I entered the twilight zone. On a normal day, it would have been like any other trip to the mall, but not yesterday. At first glance everything seemed normal. People were going about their business, walking from store to store.

But as I stood by the counter in one of the shops, I began taking a closer look and soon realized that all the people were far from average. Suddenly there I stood, feeling like an outcast on another planet.

In designer clothing meant for the red carpet, women strutted by seemingly on a mission. Men, in what appeared to be hand-tailored suits and vests talked business as they strode past. Each person had their head held high and power in their step. Confidence and pride filled the air. Everyone was decked out in luxurious attire and salon-styled hairdos, ready for their next appearance down the runway.

Everyone but me. The longer I stood there, the more uncomfortable I became. Soon I began frantically looking around, searching desperately for just one person to whom I could relate; one ‘average’ looking person like me. After several minutes, an older gentleman walked by wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt. Ah finally, I could breathe. I wasn’t alone anymore. Shortly afterward, two more average people passed by.

Fifteen minutes and about forty people later, there were four of us. Four average looking people on that end of the mall.

I’m a country girl living in a big city. I know nothing about fashion, and can hardly match my clothing to form a decent outfit each day. I know nothing about hairstyles, manicures, or spa treatments. Simply put, I feel like I don’t fit in, neither inside or out.

This is something that I’ve always struggled with. Others wouldn’t know it though. On the outside, with the exception of upper-class style, I appear to fit in just as well as everyone else does. I laugh, make jokes, and have conversations with all types of people. Most of the time however, I’m shivering on the inside trying to think of a way to escape.

For reasons unknown, I feel that I can’t relate with most people and therefore I’m uncomfortable when around them, whether they be acquaintances, friends or even family. Ever since I was little, I’ve been that way. The only difference now, is that I’m too old to hide behind my mother’s leg.

What makes people feel like they don’t fit in? Is it that they truly don’t, or is it because they simply cause themselves to feel that way?

I believe that as a product of our own thinking, we can feel distant from the world and like the odd one out. However, if we allow ourselves the freedom to be who we are, and not who we believe others want us to be, then we will fit in.

Fitting in has a lot more to do with how we see ourselves, than how others do. As long as  we’re comfortable with ourselves and confident in who we are, then we can fit in just about anywhere, and with anyone.

Each of us were uniquely made for a reason. We were not meant to be like anyone else. Be you. You are the only you in the whole world.

“There is only one you for all time. Fearlessly be yourself.”

~ Anthony Rapp

---

This post is in response to the Daily Post prompt Mentor Me.

Life has been one of my greatest mentors. It constantly teaches me how to live better, why I am who I am, and how to improve.