Have you ever really thought about that…how individual you are? A lot of times we respond to a specific situation with…”Well I wouldn’t do it that way!” Or “That’s not what I want!” We get very indignant about being grouped with the crowd over some things. But we somehow don’t care about being grouped with the crowd over a lot of other things. Hah! Explain that one!

What sparked this introspection? There have been a few legal situations currently going on in the country that have everyone almost polarized. Yet I cannot see them in a “black and white” vision like most of the people seem to be able to do…news media as well. I’m in my own space regarding them.

First of all, how are we totally individual? Our minds are our own, are DNA is ours alone, fingerprints are ours alone, our voices are uniquely ours (nobody else has ever or will ever have the same voice), and our thoughts/feelings are ours alone. That’s pretty much the whole shebang.

We definitely know that we are physically different from everyone else on the planet but do we realize how deep that individuality goes? I don’t think so. In fact most of the time when we have to stand alone so to speak, I know I feel like I almost have to apologize for being like that. Almost like we’re not allowed to be ourselves even if we have a different opinion than everyone else in the room. And to add more stress, having a way different opinion than a family member…or close friend. Like it’s ok to be individual…perhaps..sort of…except. Ha!

I was always aware of how individual I am. Being a musician you sure are! You are encouraged by your master teachers to make the music with your own abilities and musical knowledge. Learn from those who have gone before you but don’t try to be someone else. Even so, I would cave in somewhat to group thinking in a lot of situations. Afraid to be the “different” one. We all do that folks!

Now that I’m a senior citizen I have decided I “don’t care!” Not really, but I don’t care if I’m the only different opinion in the room. I am more ME now than ever. I think that happens when you become a senior citizen. Hahaha! Speak your mind. Perhaps we aren’t like that when we’re younger because of peer pressure, not wanting to be that “different” one, being criticized by others…add your own in here, etc. But eventually I think we all become more confident in ourselves and who we are individually as we get older. The saying “life begins at 40” really has something to it. We age like fine wine. We become more mature and more confident in who we are. I remember feeling like this at age 45…like this whole wad of information and maturity just landed in my brain. I was more savvy and opinionated, and more willing to research issues in order to have more knowledge and a better opinion of just about everything.

Something else that seems to happen when you finally decide you are who you are, at least for me, is that I feel more confident in my own knowledge of my personal life choices…being a musician, makeup artist, etc. I feel I have expertise in those subjects that I can confidently pass on to others. I’m not threatened by what others think. That’s a real step forward in life. It kind of brings it all together, you know? Puts all of you in one place so you can operate like a finely tuned human machine. Haha!

So there you have it. Think about yourself. Be more confident in yourself. Be the “odd man out” like I have been many times in life. People may change their opinion of you, hopefully not, but at least you’ll feel more like yourself. You don’t have to appease anyone because you, as an individual, can think for yourself and have your own valid view on life.

What a challenge huh? And…pie. Have some great pie whilst you’re gaining more confidence in you. Cheers!

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