I got blasted on SM yesterday. I had no idea where it came from, so I took it privately. The person who did the blasting was very professional and clear about what warranted such a reaction from her.She explained her point. I listened/read and accepted her apology. We come from two different places, so we don't necessarily agree; but at least it got swept under the rug and moved on.
This got me to thinking of how many situations we leave unresolved because we don't want to deal with "it," or we don't want to apologize, or we're uncomfortable in stating our truth.
Many times we just let situations that are really minor, get bigger because we just don't want to deal them. Other times we vent all around us, but never deal with the situation directly.
In other words, we are spinning on our tails and making ourselves crazy in the process. So much could be a none issue if we just fought our own battles, apologized, but most importantly, learned to accept people as they are.
I've written, ad nauseam, about my imperfect nature, but one thing I have learned to accept is my very unique personality.
Instead of fighting the snobbish stereotype that I was pegged with many years ago, I've come to embrace it. Instead of apologizing for not fitting into the Latina Stereotypes, I've named my blog Cabeza de Coco, a tongue in cheek celebration of that part of my personality; instead of hiding my OCD and my anti-aging obsession, I talk openly about it and call it vanity.
I hate to drive, despise the heat, and can't live in a cookie-cutter environment, so it's no secret that I am not a fan of the valley or the Inland Empire; so instead of hiding my dislikes, I'm open about them. Why lie?
I like my cushy life and nice things, and am over-the-moon about my hard-working husband. Why be ashamed about our life when we worked so darn hard for everything?
Growing up my parents did well too. I recognize that I was privileged and had a very blessed childhood. Why should I be embarrassed or hide that part of my life?
I was raised to smile and agree, don't rock the boat and make everyone feel special - but in the process, I didn't feel anything like myself.
I no longer hide my likes and dislikes or let people walk over me. This is who I am - take it or leave it.
I don't expect to be everyone's cup of tea - but I am me.
My mentor told me this once: "People pay attention when you walk into a room. But it won't always be good attention."
I get that. I know that. And I'm OK with that.
There will be haters and non fans throughout my life; just the same, I have an incredible group of friends and loving family who accept me as I am, or like my friend Kia told me once: "they get me." I'm perfectly OK with that.
This is who I am.
Scars, privilege, education, experience and a life full of love. I get that some people won't get me, and I am absolutely OK with that because at the end of the day I am living my truth.
