FIT OUT TO FIT IN

Learn how to embrace our unique individuality and find like-minded souls to fit in with.

By Ginger McBride

Weknowthetermfitinalltoowell.

From a very early age, we have been encouraged to fit in with our community, crowd, peers, or colleagues.

We are social creatures, and it's only natural to want to find acceptanceandbelongingamongst thoseclosesttous.

Whatifwearen'tbeingtruetoourselves by fitting in? Sometimes it takes great couragetobreakoutfromthemoldand beusinstead.Wemustlookdeepwithin to know who we are, what we're about, and what we stand for. We can not compromise our values for the sake of acceptance.

Dare to fit out. Don't follow the crowd. We have the power to think for ourselves.Justlearntobefrommoment tomoment.

Wecanhonorourselvesbestbypracticingwhoweare andwhatweneedtothrive.There'sagoodbitofselfdiscovery and personal growth that may need to take placehere.

Maybewe'vebeensobusytrying to please everyone that we lost sight of what was important all along, and now we are stumped about where to begin. It would be far easier to adapt to those nearby, but we would not be authentic.

The journey always begins with the very first step, and the longer we wait, the longer it will take. We have to be happy withwhowearefirst.Perhapsweshould begin with who we are not and go from there. Pay attention to what we find inspiring, energizing, and motivating, but also to the very situations that we finddraining.

There's a certain level of confidence that comes once we're comfortable in our own skin. We move differently. We smile more. It's not a facade, and we're not putting on a show. It comes naturally. We used to seek the externalvalidationofothers,andit gaveusatemporaryboost.

Still, now we have internal validation that proves to be long-lasting. Sure, we're not perfect, but we can tell the difference now. We can look behind us and see all the groundwork that we did to reachthisverymoment.

Others will be able to notice howwefitouttoo.Maybewe don't blend in as we used to, but if we're too busy being authentic, we might not notice. When we're being our true selves, the right people will gravitate towards us and rejoice that they found someone similar that they canrelateto.Takethetimeto go out and take part in the activities that interest us and findourlike-mindedsouls.

By learning how to accept ourselves and embrace unique qualities,weactuallyprovideour fellow communities far greater thanifweweretostickwithour moldinthefirstplace.Whenwe lean into our unique strengths, weareabletoactonthemand provide the world with quality. We aren't in the wrong place anymore attempting to make somethingworkthatjustdoesn't wanttostick.

Wearefinallyintherightplace where we can grow our success. If something isn't for us, that's okay because it's meant for someone else, and weshouldhopethatitwillfind them, too, someday. We have to practice being authentic, and the right people and situationswillfindusalongthe way.

Ginger McBride is a health and wellness expert, writer, and entrepreneur. She is passionate about helping others thrive. For more information, go to quillninkstudios.com