Own Your Weird: It’s not an Insult – It’s a Superpower!

Weirdo. Freak. Special. Oddball. Unconventional. Strange. Offbeat.

Have you ever been called any of these? Many of us have – maybe growing up, or maybe just last week. Maybe you even use some of these terms to describe yourself. Or perhaps your child has been labeled this way. These words aren’t often meant kindly, and labels like these can hurt and are used to disparage, typically by people who want conformity.

Sadly, many kids and adults alike are bullied, teased, isolated, shunned, and made fun of for the ways they don’t fit the mold – usually for things that are entirely out of their control. Labels like these can deeply affect how we see ourselves, and in some cases have a lasting negative impact on our self-esteem and self-perception. Being different can make it hard to connect with others, form lasting relationships, and feel included. These difficulties can lead to social anxiety, depression, and worry, which can be carried over from childhood to adulthood.

Owning the Labels We’ve Been Given

But what if we remove the judgment from these labels? What if “weird” just meant different? What if “odd” simply meant original? There is power in not being average, not conforming to the conventional standards, and standing out!

The truth is, you’re not wrong for being different. You’re real – and that’s brave.

Think about the narrative you have of yourself. What do you tell yourself about your place in the world? Do you still have wounds from being different? Sometimes being different is a conscious choice, and sometimes it’s because we’re built differently, like people with ADHD, or those who are on the spectrum, or folks who are queer. For example, a child who is undiagnosed with ADHD was probably told to “be quiet” and “sit still,” messages that can feel like “Don’t be you.” That kind of shame can stay with us into adulthood and leave us wondering: are we lovable just as we are? This can lead to difficulty relating to others and insecurity being our true selves around others. So, many of us hide parts of ourselves from others out of fear – fear of being judged, misunderstood or rejected. But those parts are the parts that make you you…and they are the very parts that allow you to connect more deeply with others.

Discovering Your Superpower

A path to healing begins with rewriting the story you tell yourself. What’s the story you tell yourself about who you are and where you belong? When you discover your “weird” – the thing that sets you apart in the best possible way, you will realize that there is only one of you. You are special and extraordinary.

So, what’s your superpower? Mine is empathy; I can relate to others’ suffering because I have suffered. For someone else, it might be their ability to think outside the box. Or, it may be your special way of creating, dressing, your offbeat wit and humor, or unique way of seeing the world. Can you make “weird” your superpower?

When you embrace your whole self, you can learn to wear your differences as a badge of honor, individuality, and creativity, rather than seeking acceptance at the cost of your most authentic self. Learning to embrace yourself goes beyond the labels that others may place on you. All of us have parts of ourselves that we may be less fond of, but these are also part of what makes us unique and relatable at the same time. We all have scars; the causes may be different, but they are scars, nonetheless. Most people picture personal growth as tree branches reaching upward, but our scars help us grow, as well. They give us depth, grounding us with perspective and compassion. The pain we’ve carried can open our hearts to others who have also been labeled as “other,” and deepen our capacity for empathy, connection, and understanding.

You Don’t Have to Walk This Path Alone

It can feel lonely to walk a different path, until you realize there are some interesting people also walking alongside you. Each person on that path carries their own unique set of strengths, perspectives, and superpowers – and that’s what makes them extraordinary. When you begin to embrace your most authentic self, your community will appear.

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong, or still carry the hurt of being labeled, teased, or shamed – you’re not alone. Therapy can be a place to untangle those old stories, process the hurt and learn to embrace the exceptional, one-of-a-kind person that you are. Be weird. It makes you memorable. And let no one dim your light just because they can’t relate to your individuality.

At Therapy Changes, we believe that healing starts with being seen – fully, deeply, and without judgment. Our compassionate team of therapists is here to walk beside you on your journey of self-acceptance, growth, and connection. Contact Us to learn How Therapy Works and What To Expect and schedule an appointment today.

Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash