I was actually able to read a bit more of “The Happiness Project” this week…and when I say, a bit more…I mean, just 2 more pages. So I’m officially on page 8 now. Woohoo!
And last night, before my heavy eyelids overpowered me, I was able to scribble some happiness goals under a semi unconscious state.
One of which was…Love Yourself Like Crazy! I know I can kid around a lot, but it carries a lot of truth.
If you had met me like 6 years ago, you would not have seen the { fabulous } Louise, that you see today =) I was a different person. Insecure, vulnerable, unsure, and according to some people…weird. The majority of that list is nonexistent, but the weirdness part…I think that may stay with me forever. But you know what…I’m happy with it!
I got a lot of flack for being…well “weird.” People who didn’t understand my shyness, who didn’t understand me. Uncompassionate, judgmental people who didn’t get me, or take the time to get me.
In many ways, I am somewhat of an introvert. Ok with being alone, being at home, or creating things alone. I’m not a complete hermit, don’t get me wrong. I have friends & family I hang out with, so I don’t completely shut myself off from the world. I can just think more clearly when I’m by myself sometimes. And when I meet people for the first time, I can be extremely shy, or say stupid weird things when my nervousness takes over. Doesn’t happen all the time, but it has. Almost high school nerd status if you will. Crazy, but really its true.
And that’s why some people dubbed me “weird.”
I’ve since then, gotten over the insecurity of caring what people thought of me. Especially, if the thoughts they were having about me, were in a negative connotation.
Throughout all the life changing situations I’ve experienced within the past 6 years, loving myself has been one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn.
I am me. Period.
The good, the bad, the “weird.” Everything I do, how I am…I own it now.
It took me a while to get to this peace. To “Love myself like crazy!” But I do….and I couldn’t be happier.
I think we are all weird in our own ways! I know I am.. but it’s part of what makes us unique. It’s a long road to completely accepting yourself and loving yourself, and I’m only part way down that path. I hope to get there someday though, and it’s encouraging to hear your story
Thx Katie! It took me a while…and I still have my moments. But, I’m in a much better place than I used to be =) You’ll get there. And you’re probably farther down that path, than you think =) XO
Ah yes, the flack for being weird. I can relate. I’ve always had my “tribe” of other eccentrics or “unique” people and at the same time ingested the desire to be mainstream. Had a love/hate relationship with being different.
But you can’t hate it – cause it’s YOU. And ME. It’s who we are. The eccentric, “weird” people with their unique interests and ways of being. Thank heavens for the internet and the ability to make a community and find a tribe of likeminded people no matter where we live!
If they don’t get you, move on.
Ohhh, I know what you mean about “hating” being different. Sometimes, I wish I could just be “normal.” But then I came to the realization that I’d be lost in the shuffle…that I wouldn’t have a unique voice…my voice. Took me a while, but I finally came to appreciate…well, me. And you’re right, if someone doesn’t get you or want to get you…mosey on down the road! XO
I am definitely an introvert too… maybe that’s why I felt so comfortable hanging out with you last spring in San Diego!
Cheers to loving yourself and surrounding yourself with people who bring positivity to your life.
See!! I knew we had so much in common!! =) Cheers Steph!! XO
louise! i love this post, thanks for linking up! i’m personally a fan of the weirder the better in all things and all people, so reading this makes me like you more already! so glad you are realizing that your oddities are what make you, you! xo.
“The weirder the better”? Oh heck yea!! hehe I’m glad I linked up too, I’m learning a lot about myself and about all of you! Thx Rita! XO
Louise, your blog is beautiful and I loved reading your post on happiness! I’ve always been an introvert myself, and although I wasn’t always shy, I have become more and more so over the past years. While people haven’t told me that I’m weird, I often believe to read it from the looks on their faces. I have social anxiety, and know what it feels like to get nervous around others/say “strange” things (or nothing at all, because I can’t think of anything to say!). I will pin your “Love yourself like crazy” statement by my desk – I’ve been working on this for so long and still have more work ahead of me, but it’s comforting to know that others feel or have felt similarly and were able to make a change. Seeing how much we all have in common really makes me happy
So glad you’ve joined this link-up (and thank you for your sweet comment earlier today!!!).
Hi Lisa, I’m glad I joined the link up too! This book, this linkup, it’s almost life changing! Thx for understanding, it really means a lot! XO
Love this so much, I had to come back and read it again today
xo
hehe, you’re welcome back anytime E! =) XO