Odd One Out

Dealing with Negativity about your Uniqueness.

I am the one with eclectic taste. I am the purveyor of fancy wines and cheeses and prefer expensive foods. I find intrigue in handmade objects and I enjoy the story behind what I buy. I like Wes Anderson. I am classified as having a “unique” or “high-brow” taste.

Often times I can find myself being, almost, bullied for my taste. Sometimes being put down for my outlandish requests to not go to Applebees or my preference of not drinking Barefoot Moscato… you get the point.

The problem we face as “unique, eclectic individuals” is not the urge to conform to society, but rather how to turn society’s perception in our favor. A tale as old as time.

Part of the reason I even started this platform, was to form a sense of community among us who are told we don’t fit the mold. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never wanted to fit the mold.

It can be hard to feel like it’s even possible to exist as your true self when you are in an environment that can’t seem to wrap its head around you. Too much criticism can take a toll on your mental health. It’s important to have a strategy to combat these situations to efficiently keep your space safe.

TIPS FOR LIVING AUTHENTICALLY

Carve Out YOU Time – If you aren’t around people who share your ideals, be sure to have at least 1-3 hours a day to indulge in your hobbies and things you find to serve yourself.

Choose Your Battles – Though it might seem like you have the power to persuade someone, sometimes you just can’t and that’s ok. If you find yourself in a disagreement about conflicting interests, chalk it up to “everyone is different” and leave it be.

Feed Your Passions – Never sacrifice something that brings you joy for the sake of others (use this one reasonably) If everyone did this, we would have no individuality. This is especially relevant if you are going through a tough time.

Don’t Put Up a Front– We all have done this. Pretending to be something we’re not for the sake of others. Live by this mantra “I am not serving anyone if I am not myself” others deserve to know the real you, for better or worse.

Our whole mission here at Renaissance Woman is to return to ourselves, live authentically, and embrace each other’s differences.

Continue feeding your fire, and be true to yourself.