Embracing Your Quirkiness: Tales from a Former Perpetual People Pleaser

Dear Readers,

Have you ever felt like you didn't quite fit in? Like you were a little too quirky, a little too different from everyone else, a little bit “weird”? 

If so, you're not alone.

As a former (and sometimes current) perpetual people pleaser, I know all too well the pressure to conform, to blend in, to be "normal." But today, I want to share with you some stories from my journey of embracing my weirdness—of learning to celebrate my quirks and idiosyncrasies, rather than hide them away.

Growing up, I was always the one trying to please everyone else, bending over backward to fit in and be liked. I thought that if I could just be like everyone else, I would finally feel accepted and loved. But the more I tried to fit in, the more I felt like I was losing myself in the process.

It wasn't until I hit a rock bottom— a rock bottom that I never realized i needed to hit. Exhausted from trying to be someone I wasn't, and still feeling unfulfilled and disconnected  I realized something had to change. I couldn't keep living my life for other people's approval. I needed to embrace my weirdness, to own my quirks and eccentricities, and to love myself for who I truly was. 

I needed to Liv Out Loud.

And so, I began the journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance—a journey filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears, but ultimately, one of profound growth and liberation.

One of the first steps I took was to embrace my love of all things nerdy and geeky. As a child, I found solace in fantasy worlds, lost myself in the melodies of shower singing, and reveled in the freedom of dancing my heart out. Yet, these very passions were often met with ridicule and teasing, causing me to hide them away, buried deep within. But I realized that these interests were and still are a fundamental part of who I was, and I refused to be ashamed of them any longer. So, I proudly let my wild resurface, wearing my quirks like a badge of honour, living life for me.

Now don't get me wrong, I am still learning to embrace these parts of me. Life is a journey of continual learning and growth. Now instead of trying to tone it down to fit in, I lean into it, reveling in the joy of being authentically myself, even if it meant being a little weird.

With this came some pretty difficult, downright nasty lessons but perhaps the most important lesson I learned was that it's okay to say no—to set boundaries and prioritize my own well-being, even if it meant disappointing others. I realized that I couldn't please everyone, and that's okay. What mattered most was being true to myself, honoring my needs and desires, and living a life that felt authentic and fulfilling.

Today, I sit here writing, deciding that i can proudly say that I am weird. Like really, wildly, amazingingly weird, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Embracing my quirks and eccentricities has brought me a sense of freedom and joy that I never knew was possible. 

So, to all the fellow weirdos out there, I say this: embrace your weirdness, celebrate your quirks, and never apologize for being authentically you, live your life out loud, live it for you.

With love and acceptance,
The light in me sees the light in you,
Always shine bright.

xo Liv