I'm Special

Just in case you thought I was kidding,
here it is: my awesome SPF 100+.

It was 46 degrees when I went on my walk this morning here in southern California. For you East Coasters, allow me translate: that’s COLD.  For you Hawaii peeps: it’s best that we not even go there. 

But you know what?  I LOVE IT.  I absolutely adore chilly weather. 

Now this is a shocker for most people because I grew up on a hot and humid little island where it’s basically 85 degrees year round, and yes, for most people, that’s pure heaven.  Don’t get me wrong, I think beaches are beautiful, and I like hanging out there.  In the shade.  Under my wide-brimmed sun hat.  Lathered in SPF 100+.

Yup.  I'm a little different.

This may seem like a little thing, but since I was constantly surrounded by people who love heat, and when they would see that I love shade, would say things like: 

YOU’RE WEIRD

Deep down, I always wondered:  Is there something wrong with me?

Luckily, I’ve found some examples of really awesome people who are different, too.

I’m a total sucker for underdog sports stories.  Especially during the Olympics.  I watch the incredibly emotional pre-game stories, completely riveted to my tv.

He walked 5 miles every day in the snow?  Sometimes barefoot?

He lived in his car for 6 months? 

And then his mom died?

At this point, I’m usually balling.  I get so attached to these amazing athletes, it’s kinda ridiculous. (Don’t even get me started on Rudy).

So Derrick Coleman, the Seattle Seahawks running back, and first legally deaf offensive player in the NFL, is no exception to my rule. 

He gave a recent interview that I just loved:

"Being different to me is a good thing.  You don't want to be the same as everybody else.  I wouldn't be the type of person I am today if I didn't have my hearing [loss].  I'd be somebody completely different".  

Grinning, he then added, "I like the type of person I am today".

His words inspire me to go beyond just accepting who I am— I want to own it, to revel in all my specialness (that could be my favorite new made-up word).

God blessed each of us with unbelievable gifts that are uniquely ours.  And having these differences is a really good thing--it gives me the opportunity to learn from others that aren't like me (because a whole bunch of me's running around is a truly terrifying thought).  

And most importantly, it gives me an opportunity to love because of the differences, not in spite of them. 

Because the truth is, we’re all a bunch of weirdos.  And that’s a beautiful thing.