Feb 23 2009
Fit In? I say, “Screw It!”
Ok, I admit it, I watch American Idol – not all the time but from time to time. And yes, I sit there and say things like, “Oh Randy’s going to say that was pitchy”, end my sentences with “dawg” and laugh. However something struck me about the last show.
The judges were speaking to a female contestant and they kept saying, “I just don’t see where you fit. I mean in the industry, where do you fit?”
I’d be lying if I said I never tried to “fit in.” As a child I wanted to “fit in” at school and there have been times throughout my life when I wanted to blend in with the crowd. However, I never ever felt like I did. It always felt like an act to me. I always felt like an outsider. It’s only now that I realize that’s a good thing. It’s ok to feel “different” we all are and thank goodness for that!
Our differences are what make us special and unique. They allow us to develop new ideas, cures, arrangements of music, painting, government laws and so on. I don’t think we celebrate ourselves, and the breath of fresh air we bring to the table, enough in life. To that contestant I say, “Who cares about fitting in? Be you, break barriers and please create some new music!”
So, today I ask you to really put yourself out there. Say that thing you’ve been dying to say or do that thing you’ve been longing to do. Don’t worry about fitting in, rocking the boat or what the Jones’ will say. Just do it. Be YOU!
I AM THE ONE AND ONLY JPH….. : )
hahahaha….Damn right you are! I love it!!!
My neighbors are pushing to meet me. I kinda want to meet them, but I kinda don’t. I feel like once I do, my old day nyc anonymity is gone forever and I enter the world of something along the lines of desperate housewives (not that I have ever seen the show). Maybe I will become a recluse.
Claire – that’s awesome that they want to meet you…I say meet them …you can still maintain that nyc mystery
For some reason, I have never really worried about fitting in. I’ve always been weird. But also for some reason, I have always fit in just fine. It helps that I’m not trying to be different, I’m just being myself. Maybe people don’t feel threatened or something. Maybe I’m not really all that weird. Sometimes I say I’m the weirdest normal person… or the normalest weirdo.
Well, maybe I don’t fit in perfectly, but I find my niche. That’s all you really need, anyway. Fitting in is over rated. And sometimes when people try to stand out, they are still running in reaction to fitting in. Just be, I say.
Rowena – rock on!!! I’m totally feeling that “normalest weirdo” idea ..love that phrase and I’m with you when you say “Just be!” That’s my new mantra
When I think about fitting in I think about the need to please others and conformity. In the spirit of this blog entry and the beginning of lent I would like to begin as of today being true to myself (regardless of consequences or reactions of others) sounds easy but personally it will be a challenge. I have 40 days of practice. I wonder if this means I can regress on sundays lol.
Does admitting that I preferred Def Leppard to MegaDeath count? I’m scared of the backlash just writing this out….yikes!
Danielle – i love this …be true to you!! how awesome…how’s it going?? LOVE it….
Rich – I adore this response….no I’m with you and I think you kick ass for writing that!!