Beautifully different

Yikes. Today’s prompt is hard. I was watching a repeat (I nearly wrote ‘rerun’ – a very American term. Caught myself just in time to use the proper Aussie vernacular) of Modern Family. Mitchell was talking to Manny about being different at school and the yearning to blend in. Then when you grow up, you no longer want to blend in, but stand out. Or something like that.

I don’t think I’ve ever blended in, not completely, anyway. I left school early to go to agricultural college, one of the first girls in the country to do so. I was determined to study agriculture so as I could eventually become an agricultural journalist. Fast forward a few decades and the only link to those days is my writing on this blog, a continuing interest in journalism and an understanding of agriculture that comes in handy from time to time.

Specialisation is not me. I’m happy to have a little knowledge about a lot of things. Occasionally I’ll deep dive into a topic, emerging sated and looking for the next thing to sink my teeth into. Seeing links, making connections, connecting people and things, that’s more my style. Is it what lights people up though? Dunno. Sharing what I know, helping people build their skills and confidence, encouraging, trying different approaches, taking professional risks – these all make me who I am too. Is that what lights people up? Still not sure. A bunch of significant people have helped make me who I am, influencing my thinking, providing guidance, loving me even when I’m unlovable. I do know what lights me up – being with these people who challenge and inspire and are generous and funny and playful. That’s what I aspire to do, and be.

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I’m taking part, with 3000+ others, in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10 to reflect on the past year and explore hopes for the coming year. You can read more about it here. December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.