Being AwkWEIRD

What are your biggest challenges?

Being awkward, and weird . . .

It makes simply BEing ME quite difficult whenever I am in social situations — with communication and understanding. For me to make lasting friendships where we share commonalities, is a rarely. And I’d rather be in the company of animals than people!

I am an artist and writer, a Reiki Master and crystal collector, in a region where the community does not readily accept alternative thinking folks like me. I often find myself navigating a world that doesn’t quite understand me. Being awkward and weird can make social situations feel like a chore, especially when it seems like everyone around me speaks a different language.

Growing up, I struggled to fit in, feeling like an outsider in a community that values conformity. But it wasn’t until I found alternative paths to healing – like Reiki, crystals, and nature – that I began to see my uniqueness as a strength.

I often feel quite misunderstood, because I sought alternative ways to address my own challenges with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I found solace in seeing into the natural world of God’s creation, with different eyes. Living with PTSD, I’ve learned to lean into my quirks and find solace in the natural world.

If you’re an empath or healer struggling to find your tribe, know that you’re not alone. Your weirdness is your superpower. Embrace it, and you’ll attract those who appreciate your unique energy.

What are some ways you celebrate your individuality? Share with me in the comments!

I AM Apolitical

How have your political views changed over time?

I am distinctly uninterested in politics at the moment. I used to believe that the right vote could make a difference . . . Especially on a local level.

I have since come to believe this is simply untrue. I live in a region where local politics has been drowning in corruption for a very long time. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that I am quite strongly apolitical.

I can make a greater difference by helping the community myself. I prefer to refrain from voting in an election for people who are corrupt. Quite frankly, I prefer animals to people these days . . . at least locally.

It’s in God’s Hands now.

Amen. So be it.

My Books Are Where the Wild Things Are

You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?

I have been an avid reader my whole life. I started forming my library in my teenage years. I have a forty-year book collection, yet I cannot have it.

I left an abusive relationship two years ago. I have been fighting for my freedom ever since the day I walked out. The judge awarded my abuser half of my book collection and he doesn’t even like to read.

I left with only a suitcase. He has a court order forcing him to give me my belongings, yet he continues to believe he can bully me. I still cannot have my books. He refuses to follow the court order. I have to fight him still.

My ideal library would contain all of my beloved books . . . My friends found within the pages, my comfort and my peace. Yet, I do not have them. I left in a hurry. He lied. He cheated. He is an abuser, and he is above the law.

My battle rages on. And my books remain in the possession of the man who took everything from me . . . My clothing, my books, my artwork, and my identity.

I only wish for my books . . . And as long as they come home to me, my favorite place to read would be wherever my books are safe and shelved.