Embrace Being Unique

I’ll admit it - I stare at people. Okay, that sounds a little bit creepy, but we all fall guilty of staring at those around us. I’ve mentioned this in my other blogs, but lately, I’ve realized how many people stare at others either because they look different or behave strangely.

The thing is, people still have a difficult time realizing that differences are not always a bad thing – they make us who we are.

And we need to be happy with the person we have become.

We Are All Different– Get Used to It

Working in a field where stares are a normal, everyday occurrence, I’ve grown numb to being watched or looked at in an odd way. The clients I work with have developmental disabilities as well as mental illnesses, which tend to cause unusual behaviors at times. Many people are becoming more understanding of these great individuals and their characteristics, but some people still can’t embrace the differences.

Recently I was at the mall with my client who tends to shout randomly or “stim” when standing still. We were walking past two teenage boys and my client shouted loudly, catching the attention of these teenage boys. Instantly, the boys laughed and mimicked him. Luckily, my client didn’t mind.

I, however, was the who had to hold myself together.

The world is not totally prepared for all the different types of people that are in it and that is scary. The mere fact of not feeling welcomed or understood, can lead to awful actions – some including self-harm, suicide, drug addiction or other disorders. Because people do not take the time to learn and listen, those who are struggling with disabilities, disorders or illnesses continued to struggle and feel misunderstood.

How Does This Link to Self-Harm?

All you self-harmers out there, do you feel as if you are the same as the person next to you? Do you sometimes feel embarrassed when handing money to the cashier because your arms are showing? When people catch a glimpse of your scars, do they subtly stop and stare?

Anyone struggling with self-harm or a mental illness understands what it feels like to be different. Yes, we are all different, but when struggling with addiction and disorders involving your brain, it is a totally different ball game.

However, confidence is what leads to not just being different, but being unique. We are all different, but it takes courage to be unique and we can use our difficult pasts to prove that we have suffered, but we have learned.

You can also find Jennifer Aline Graham on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and her website is here.