There are people out there who want you to believe that because you are different that you are small and insignificant. They will latch on to anything that makes you stand out and try their damnedest to make you ashamed of being you. If you're overweight, you're fat fuck. If you're short, you're a midget. If you're gay, you're a faggot. Your instinct is to be the same as everyone else around you because then they can't get you. The problem is that instinct is complete shit.
Listen to me: I don't care if you think I'm fat or too tall. I don't care if you don't like my stupid fucking face or if you think that I write like a three year-old hopped up on PCP and Mountain Dew. The way that I see myself is not about the way that the world views me but about how I view myself. See I try really hard to recognize myself for who I am so let me share that with you guys. I'm overweight. I write a D&D blog. I write short stories and throw them out to the wolves of the internet without thinking about the consequences. I draw terrible pictures that make me unbelievably happy and I don't give two shits about the people who want to make me feel bad for doing these things. I have been shot at, had knives pulled on me, fought wild animals, lost friends to drug abuse, suicide, and outright murder. I run an after school art program for kids who haven't had an art class in their district for nearly a decade. I work really hard to take care of my son and wife to the best of my abilities. I've got things about me that bother me, but the things that people latch onto are the things they can see, and none of that shit is something I'm ashamed of.
Kids read me and that's why I'm writing this post. Because I know that life sucks; but I'm telling that no matter what, if you can make it through these trying years of High School that you will come out better for it. Things get better and life is amazing if you apply yourself to it. So learn this lesson in life: recognize yourself for who you are, and don't let those sons of bitches ever make you less than you are.
big +1
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it!
DeleteTotally agree. Well said. And keep up the great work!!
ReplyDeleteWill do Fitzy!
DeleteYeah kids, the jerks on top in high-school are hardly ever on top later in life. I went to my 25th high school reunion a few years ago and the first thing that went through my mind was "What are so many folk's parents doing here?" The cool, the tough, and the stylish highschool kids were nowhere to be seen they'd been replaced by middle-aged folks with essentially the same issues as everyone else.
ReplyDeleteAnd most of them fat. Don't ever forget the fat thing. It happens to all of us, but somehow it's just more satisfying when it happens to the jerks.
DeleteJDJarvis: And the secret is that they had the same problems as everyone else back then, as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat article Charles!
Thanks Paul!
DeleteWell done!
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with everything you've written, and I appreciate even more the fact that you are targeting to the kids that in a time like this have an increasing need of values and to believe in themselves.
"I'm overweight."
Maybe you do not believe it, but this is the image I have of you and that's why I thought your voice was more baritonal! :p
"Maybe you do not believe it, but this is the image I have of you and that's why I thought your voice was more baritonal!"
DeleteDo I write heavy? Don't answer that! :D
I know it's kind of cliche now, but it really does get better. My daughter doesn't fit in with the in-crowd at all. She's a really pretty gamer/musician/drama nerd. She dyes her hair odd colors, wears a lot of black, and is really starting to get into the teenage emo metal. It's not my metal, but it's metal, so I'm proud. She's got a great head on her shoulders, she has her true friends, and she no longer gives a fuck what anyone thinks of her.
ReplyDeleteShe used to have a hard time dealing with all the different cliques and social groups, but her mother and I have always encouraged her to do her own thing, like the things she likes and to never compromise her principles. She's going to have an awesome life in adulthood. All the bumps and bruises from growing up have scarred over, and she's a much stronger person for it.
Yeah, but I can only imagine how much you wanted to kick those pricks asses.
DeleteOh, most certainly. Not to sound too cynical, but most people out there aren't really worth knowing or interacting with. My daughter has learned this from me. There are true friends, and then everyone else is just an acquaintance.
Delete" There are true friends, and then everyone else is just an acquaintance"
DeleteThat's one of the hardest lessons in life to learn.
"illegitimi non carborundum est"
ReplyDeleteDon't let the bastards screw you.
Truth no matter the language!
Deleteexcept that it actually means "don't let the bastards grind you down"... same sentiment, slightly different words.
Delete^^ Winner!
DeleteThe good thing about being an introvert is that when someone has a problem with you, it's their problem. On the other hand, my wife has asked me to be nicer to people, and I'm struggling with it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if that's on-topic, but it's what I've got.
No, it's absolutely on topic and it needs to be said.
Delete"On the other hand, my wife has asked me to be nicer to people, and I'm struggling with it"
My wife tells me that all the time. Like when people get ugly on the blog here or else where and I start to tell them where they can go she gets all, "Be nice." Women and there reasonable expectations for how people should behave!
It's kind of funny, because my wife and I are the opposite. She's not mean, but when someone starts to get out of line, either by just being a prick, or whining, or whatever, she tends to speak her mind and not reign herself in. I'm the one who stays level headed and tries to get her to exercise a bit more tact. However, if someone has it coming, I'll just keep my mouth shut and let her rip into them. :D
DeleteI think I love your wife. Don't tell mine though o.O
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