What I Know Is True

When I was younger, I thought that I didn't want to live to be older than forty. Ha! Since I have turned thirty, my life has become so much more enjoyable. I am more secure with who I am and what I believe. What I now know to be true is how important it is to be genuine--true to oneself. I wasn't the "normal" kid; I was bullied and tormented for being different. I never really conformed to the latest fashion trends or to the appropriate social behaviors. Yup, I was weird. What I know to be true is that the qualities that make children targets for bullies are the same qualities that will make them outstanding adults. Individualism is not a cherished quality among children--teens especially--but where would our world be without independent thinkers? It is important for people to express their opinions, however different they may be. I feel very fortunate to have survived my childhood, and I look forward to exploring more of who I am in the future. I've added a picture of me from the first grade in which I displayed all of my untapped awesomeness.