In my younger years, I did not realize it was a privilege to be different. My European, Viennese family certainly were considered different as they blew into New Orleans from Vienna after World War II. They were eccentric, artistic and colorful. As a cliff note, I had to run into my elementary school hallway each morning when my mother dropped me off in her camellia-colored pink Cadillac and sequined dress with flaming red hair.  So embarrassed to be different, I did not realize investing time and energy towards “different” was the key to success and confidence. It took years to realize it is a positive thing to be different and unique.  You are contributing to a boring world by being different and it makes you “oh so” special. Of course, I did not feel special as I ballooned out from eating European pastries growing up. Becoming chubby did not make me feel compatible with others, and in retrospect, I should have worn that body image with confidence. 


 I like to feel that diversity enriches our world including humans that are every color of the rainbow and any physical disability. A world where everyone is different makes for such enriching life experiences. My friend that has MS and is wheelchair bound for life is incredibly unique. Going to museums with her is like a living documentary on art and history. In my mind, she has no handicap, she happens to roll around on wheels spouting intellect and interest in so much about the world. Self-acceptance is critical to maintaining confidence. One can feel fabulous with cotton candy pink hair, but you must “feel” it and that it comes naturally. I happen to have dark purple hair with a turquoise streak. Many women walk up to me saying, “I love your hair but not brave enough to wear it.” I say confidence makes us brave.

I like to think that being different means you are living an authentic life. I would rather have people stare at me than being invisible. What a waste of a life! Sometimes being different can be hard, especially if you stand out from the crowd. If you are standing out, try to consider that a compliment. My closet is a visual of how I became more different as I became an adult. No problem for me wearing a red and yellow cowgirl skirt, aqua bustier and boots on any day. I recall a high school teacher I met on a tour to China. It was on the tour bus that she wore sequined clothes every day and had heaps of personality. She made a point of saying her students loved it, and it made their day seeing her in class gleaming in sequins. She loved it and they loved it. She owned those differences.

It is important never to feel isolated by being different. I made that mistake early in life and made myself part of the wallpaper. While it is possible to have things in common with ordinary people, we all learn from each other, even if we appear different.  The great thing about being different is people can see you are very “cool” in your uniqueness. The key is to connect with open-minded people. It is the only way to learn about life and all the traits included in everyone. People who do not engage in differences and diversity eventually fall out of my life. It is too boring, and I drift away.

There are huge benefits to being different. You will attract people like yourself, making for a wonderful recipe for long friendships and fascinating experiences. You will blend in with people like yourself and that is a good thing. You are interesting, you are comfortable, you are less restricted. You could even become amazing! The key is not to be afraid to be different, you will learn so much from others. We are all human and imperfect. It’s not okay to be isolated and under the radar. When I walk into a room, I am immediately attracted to those that don’t fit in, not the ordinary ones. As humans, we are like magnets, and we tend to approach others that are like us. Consider it is a great gift that life offers us.