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SOLO IN THE CROWD
Finding strength in being different
Have you ever been in a place where you did not belong? How was the feeling like for you?
Finding yourself in a place where you don’t belong can come with a sense of unease. You might feel like you are under a spotlight with everyone shifting all their attention on you and noticing your differences.
This feeling can be very isolating but it does not define who you are. It is very okay to feel like this if you don’t connect with someone or certain groups and it does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with you.
I’ve often found myself in environments where I felt like I don’t just fit. From my childhood school to church and to my workplace. I’ve struggled to find my tribe. But as I navigated these spaces, I realized that sometimes, not belonging can be a blessing in disguise.
Growing up, I felt like a stranger among my peers. My brothers’ autism made our family dynamics unique and I often wondered if that was why I didn’t connect with others. However, I learned that my identity extended beyond my family circumstances.
As I grew older, I also discovered that my reserved nature and introversion was a factor. I found it hard to just socialize easily.
