I would like to bring your attention to the squirrel in the above photo. I think that in one way or another, we’ve all found ourselves in similar positions. Not literally, hopefully. Although, if you have found yourself sitting awkwardly in a bird feeder, please feel free to share in the comments below.
On a less literal level, I think most of us can relate to the uncomfortable contortions of trying to fit in. We make ourselves bigger, smaller, louder, quieter, or whatever we believe the situation calls for.
We do what we think we need to do to survive with a minor edit here, and a tiny tweak there, until we find ourselves curled up in a ball snacking on birdfeed. Okay, the squirrel metaphor may have gotten away from me.
The point is, a sense of safety and belonging that comes at the expense of your authentic self is not worth it. Most of us aren’t squirrels. Meaning, we don’t need to contort ourselves into uncomfortable shapes in order to survive.
If you find yourself feeling like a squished squirrel, it may be time to start looking for acceptance elsewhere. Just because a place looks like a home doesn’t mean it’s your home.
Be Kind. Be Brave. Stay Awkward.
Onward & Awkward 