Odd Velvet

I will never forget two meaningful compliments given to me many years ago. The first was from a little boy I worked with as a school counselor. Zach struggled with social cues and other challenges in his life. One day we were walking down the hall together and this little kindergarten boy said to me, "Mrs. Meyer, I used to think you were weird." I replied, "You did, Zach? What do you think now?" Zach said softly, "Now I think you're special." What words to tuck forever in my heart.

The second compliment came from my former pastor, Lee Laaveg. One day he said, "Kris, you don't remind me of anyone." Wow! I felt like I graduated. Growing up I was always trying to fit in with the crowd, trying to be liked. Then as I grew older, I began caring less and less about fitting in and found more and more joy in just being myself. That compliment reminded me that I had learned the art of being myself.

The freedom that comes with living authentically can truly bring one joy. When we do that, we don't have to think about "acting," we can simply be.

Thanks for listening.