Ms. Independent

Individuality. For some, becoming an individual may have come too early and for others it comes much too late.

When we were little, being an individual meant being the kid that had no friends. The kid that ate their lunch in the corner of the room because they weren't accepted. They chose to wear comfortable shoes instead of the popular ones; they enjoyed watching shows from the 80's instead of the new and overly-talked about sitcoms everyone else was watching.

Who is to say, however, that this numero uno of a person isn't as good as the rest of them? They've simply chosen the path less taken - and quite frankly, seem to be enjoying it.

This isn't to say I was never one of the "groupies" who have given the stink-eye to people who don't blend in. I, here and now, am admitting to having snickered at the rarities that are amongst us; however, I shall also admit to have not done so for quite sometime. No. It seems immature when thinking of it now.

People laughing at those who don't fit in... Immature may not be the correct word for this situation. No... insecure is a better fit. This shows a huge and abundant lack of security in one's self to have to "follow the crowd."

We tend to adore the cute little ducklings that follow their mama across the road; we stop in admiration. However, something about us - humans - following each other around constantly and doing whatever it is the person ahead is doing catches our attention in a negative fashion.

Doing something for the sole reason of someone else doing it is cowardly and ... sad.

If you like something, if you truly like something - do it, buy it, make it, wear it, eat it, be it.

Letting go of these ideals that mediums and people all over the world put into our minds is what truly needs to happen in order for someone to discover themselves.

I'm not promoting those that do strange things for the purpse of an audience-reaction. No, no, no. Because that is not being true to one's self. Doing something to "stand out" just for the sake of standing out is entirely missing the point.

Just do what you like to do. I dare you to do what you like to do.

"To thy own self be true."