When I was a teen, it seemed like almost everything I did was caught in the middle between the desire to belong, and wanting so desperately to stand out. We all want to feel like we’ve got “our people,” that we matter, and are valued. That we have something to offer this world that is all our own, and that our gifts are unique. Something that would be missed if it was no longer there. 

I rarely achieved my desire to fit in, and I did some weird things in my efforts to stand out! Thankfully (for everyone) I have come a long way, and there are some things I’ve learned along the road:

You do belong, and if someone is making you feel like you can’t sit with them, then get your own table and be the one who makes space for others.
You are valuable, and beautiful, and that is intrinsic and no one can take it away from you. Not even yourself with bad fashion choices. (What, just me? Cool.)
You absolutely have something unique to offer. You are a gem, cut out with purpose, and your story is worth telling.

So let’s tell your story. Let’s express what is unique and capture what shines. Let’s be creative, and joyful, and dramatic. And let’s have a whole lot of fun while we do it!