Standing Out and Fitting In

Time for some #realtalk, cause that's what you get with me.

Let's talk about standing out and fitting in. Believe it or not, this has been a cause of worry and stress ever since I was a young girl. And still is.

I never really "fit in" to a lot of groups and didn't feel welcomed -- and it hurt. Over the years, through some confidence, good reads and even better friends, I've learned to stand out a bit more. I've developed friendships and relationships with a variety of people. I try to connect people and go out of my way to support those who have supported me. I take (and make) time to include, introduce, meet new people and ask questions.

I've learned that when people feel included and appreciated, they shine.

But don't think those toxic feelings of being excluded have completely vanished.

Truth is: sometimes, I don't know where I fit into this online world. Sometimes, it feels like high school again, when all the cool kids went to the party and I was at home -- I still have major FOMO but I'm working on it. Sometimes, I wonder if I closed all my channels people would even notice.

And then I reconnect with someone in person and they say, "I just want to tell you I love what you put on your Instagram," or "I can totally relate to your posts, they're so honest," or "There's something different about you and I like it."

So I remind myself to keep going. Keep connecting people, bringing kindness, honesty and authenticity. I think of my daughters and what I'm teaching them every day.

And I remember to stand out.