My parents are raising me so that I can stand out, and not be afraid to be myself.  This is an amazingly important lesson, but sometimes I feel anxious about staying true to myself outside of my nuclear family.  It’s even hard to be myself amongst extended family and friends for fear of disappointing them.

I often think to myself, “Standing out will be simple!” If you have tried, you probably know, it’s easier said than done.  We worry about being pushed back in to our mental closet, criticized, and alone.  You HAVE to remember, others have trouble being their true selves, also.

Maybe they aren’t different the way you are, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have similar feelings. By attempting to be how you truly are, no matter how, where, and when, you are already becoming a Linchpin.  You ARE important. You are an artist, and no matter how challenging, you can become, yourself.