Be Yourself

I cannot express to you, my Minions, how important it is that you remember those two words. It doesn't matter if you're 9 or 90. It can be a daily struggle to remember who you are and to continue to be that wonderful person, to be yourself. I grew up in a very small town, and though I was told to be myself, I was shown something else - that it wasn't okay to dye my hair funky colors, that it wasn't okay to dress this way or that, or talk like this or like certain things. I was taught that standing out was bad, that I'd better get in line with the other ants and keep my mouth shut.

Only one problem: I didn't listen. And neither should any of you.

I'm blessed now to be surrounded by people who embrace my oddities, and so sometimes it can be jarring when I'm met with the same intolerance that I experienced growing up. It shocks me that people could find me so offending, especially when I work so hard to be a good childrens author, to produce books that are exciting, funny, quirky, and clean - cleaner than many books you'll find on the shelf. I work enormously hard to be a good person, so it really bothers me when people can't seem to get past what color my bangs are this week.

Why does it matter? Why does it matter if I look this way or that, if I talk this way or that? It's not like I'm intentionally being disrespectful. I don't swear in front of my Minions (though, when Auntie Heather drops something on her toe, oh, does she swear). I don't tell them they should go get tattoos that afternoon or rob a bank or jump off a bridge. I encourage them to read. I tell them to go to college. I talk to them, and ask them questions, because I care.

I'm just being myself - something that I urge my Minions to be.

Some days are harder than others. But I will never change. Because it takes a lot of strength to stand up and show the world that yes, you're weird, and proud of it.

I know I am.