I'll Never Be One of the Cool Kids

I will never be one of the cool kids.

I’m 28-years-old and it hasn’t even taken me that long to figure it out.

I love this picture of me. I’m 18. I’m photo-shopped in this picture. I look good. You should like this picture. Why would you not? It fits all the criteria for a like these days.

But maybe you should hover your hand for just a second longer and hear this: This beautiful young girl at 18 had no idea. Well maybe she did. She had her own struggles in life itself. But one thing I’m proud of her for doing is the right thing. For taking the path less traveled even when it was uncomfortable- not always- but dammit she tried.

For standing up for the right thing even when she had no skin in the game- no reason to honestly care, but caring nonetheless.

That bleeding heart and raw honesty that came off weird to some people- uncomfortable, if you will. That’s one word for it.

So sorry for not sticking within your pseudo-comfort zone and not climbing your intrinsically motivated social ladder. But actually, I’m really not.

Because although I may be in the minority as of late, I know in the long run I’m not alone. In the long run I’ll be happy with the one looking back at me in the mirror.

You don’t have to like this picture. Please don’t actually.

But I know you see it. And I hope you hear the message behind it.