"You're weird."

      We're never quite sure if those spoken words above are a compliment. Because we often hear them in a negative tone. We hear them when someone disagrees with another person's unique interest or behavior.

      A young girl likes skateboarding and opts to play with bugs rather than dolls. Another girl will crinkle her nose and say "she's so weird." Others will laugh and isolate that first girl for embracing her true self.

     We've been conditioned as children to associate the word "weird", with something that's bad. Because weird is different than the social standards we're taught, and god forbid we want something that society doesn't value.

     Even in adulthood we maintain that skewered definition. A man dares to go the grocery store in his pyjamas, and others call him "weird" or "lazy".

      The dictionary defines weird as something that's different from the ordinary, strange or extraordinary. And in the situations listed above, sure weird may be appropriately used in the sense that the behaviors differ from norm. But when did we decide different meant bad? There is no mention of wrongness in any definition of the word "weird."

      Because different isn't wrong.

     Different is what leads to every grand human discovery.

     Different is the diversity that makes life on earth beautiful.

     Different gives people courage to embrace their true desires.

     Different leads to new, exciting opportunities.

      I spent a long time, conceiling the traits or desires that could make others deem me "weird". I acted in a way that would ensure that I felt normal.

       But I am normal. Even if my feelings don't reflect that of the majority. I've accepted that it's okay that I don't want to meet every single expectation listed by society; accepted that I can't meet these expectations without compromising myself.

      I don't want to post my life on social media; I'd rather make a personal scrapbook of all my favourite memories.

      I don't want to spend thousands on fancy flowers and chairs as I read my vows; I'd rather spend that money and books and vacations.

      I don't want to go to the bar on a Friday night because I need a way to meet someone; I'd rather take a walk and dance under the stars in an empty field, even if that means doing so alone.

      Maybe I am weird. But to me that translates to unique, and there's nothing I'd rather be.

      Do what you want. Like what you want. Like who you want. Travel wherever you want to go. Choose whatever job you truly want. Speak the words you really want to say.

      And if someone tries to insult you by calling you weird, smile and thank them for the most valuable compliment one could give.

      Embrace all the unique or typical things that put a smile on your face and light a flame of passion in your heart.

      Embrace your "weirdness".

     Those are your best qualities. Because do you really want to be like everyone else? Don't you want to be human? Don't you want to be authentic rather than a replica?