Outside Looking In
Remember when you were in school and wanted to be part of the "in crowd"? Maybe you were already a member of that elite group and easily fit in. What made that group so elite? Was it the financial status of your parents, the attitudes of your friends, or was it a popularity contest and if you weren't a member you were considered an "outsider"?
On the other hand, did you easily move between the "in" crowd, the "wannabe's" or the "outcasts"? Did you surround yourself with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and attitudes? This is what I call being an outsider...seeing who and what is out there while not conforming to social stereotypes or opinions and being yourself in all groups of people.
In today's world, we're adults who still wrestle with the same types of groups, only this time it's on a different playing field. In the workplace we try to fit in by going with the flow and if we voice a differing opinion, many times we're ostracized for those opinions. In our personal lives our friends are supportive and appreciative, as long as we go with the "norm" of what is considered acceptable. If we differ or challenge an idea, we're ignored and left out.
What happens in those moments when you feel like you don't fit in anywhere because your opinions and ideas are completely disregarded and you're left standing on the outside looking in? Where do these feelings lead? Do you try harder to make others like you? Do you find yourself engaging in the negative self talk that's easier to believe than any positive form of acceptance? Or do you accept that's it's ok to have different views of the world than others and you don't have to conform to the thoughts and opinions of others?
Being on the outside can feel lonely, but it's the best place to stand. It's what sets you apart and makes you unique. It gives you a perspective that allows you to contrast what you want with what you don't and make a purely objective choice. You are given the gift of freedom in all interactions, because you see things differently and quickly understand what's expected. That can bring unexpected results and gains that you wouldn't have believed are possible.
It's not always easy to stand on the outside looking in - but it does give you the "big picture" and you're able to make a bigger and more meaningful difference by acknowledging that you understand and want to be included for the reasons that are right for you. The ones who choose to distance themselves from you may look at you with a judgmental view and that's perfectly ok. It's because they don't understand and aren't willing to step out of their comfort zone and entertain an idea that's foreign to them.
Being the outsider has given me more insight into people and situations than I could ever imagine. It has strengthened my ability to think independently and stand firm in what's right, all the while deepening my relationships with those who mean the most to me.
Don't be afraid to embrace your outsider views. The important people in your life will not only accept your sometimes quirky view of the world, they will embrace it and celebrate it with you.
On the other hand, did you easily move between the "in" crowd, the "wannabe's" or the "outcasts"? Did you surround yourself with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and attitudes? This is what I call being an outsider...seeing who and what is out there while not conforming to social stereotypes or opinions and being yourself in all groups of people.
In today's world, we're adults who still wrestle with the same types of groups, only this time it's on a different playing field. In the workplace we try to fit in by going with the flow and if we voice a differing opinion, many times we're ostracized for those opinions. In our personal lives our friends are supportive and appreciative, as long as we go with the "norm" of what is considered acceptable. If we differ or challenge an idea, we're ignored and left out.
What happens in those moments when you feel like you don't fit in anywhere because your opinions and ideas are completely disregarded and you're left standing on the outside looking in? Where do these feelings lead? Do you try harder to make others like you? Do you find yourself engaging in the negative self talk that's easier to believe than any positive form of acceptance? Or do you accept that's it's ok to have different views of the world than others and you don't have to conform to the thoughts and opinions of others?
Being on the outside can feel lonely, but it's the best place to stand. It's what sets you apart and makes you unique. It gives you a perspective that allows you to contrast what you want with what you don't and make a purely objective choice. You are given the gift of freedom in all interactions, because you see things differently and quickly understand what's expected. That can bring unexpected results and gains that you wouldn't have believed are possible.
It's not always easy to stand on the outside looking in - but it does give you the "big picture" and you're able to make a bigger and more meaningful difference by acknowledging that you understand and want to be included for the reasons that are right for you. The ones who choose to distance themselves from you may look at you with a judgmental view and that's perfectly ok. It's because they don't understand and aren't willing to step out of their comfort zone and entertain an idea that's foreign to them.
Being the outsider has given me more insight into people and situations than I could ever imagine. It has strengthened my ability to think independently and stand firm in what's right, all the while deepening my relationships with those who mean the most to me.
Don't be afraid to embrace your outsider views. The important people in your life will not only accept your sometimes quirky view of the world, they will embrace it and celebrate it with you.
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