Someone posed a question to me recently asking what adults (other than my parents) had a great influence on me in my formative years?
So this week I have been reminiscing about such people.
This post is a rambling of my thoughts today.
Thanks for bearing with me.
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I grew up in a small but very talented community.
My church and school friends were all incredibly gifted in music, athletics, speech, or academics.
I always felt like a dud.
Seriously.
I got okay grades but not great.
I took 11 years of piano lessons, but I can barely play out of a hymn book.
I was horrible at any and all sports, especially the popular ones for girls in my school: basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
I remember physically feeling ill when we were had to “play” these games in PE because I was really that uncoordinated, and it embarrassed me to participate.
I was the only girl who tried out for cheer-leading in 10th grade and didn’t make it.
I didn’t go around feeling sorry for myself; understandably, I did feel like the odd man out a lot of the time.
But I loved to work with fabrics, cook, and help my mom entertain guests in our home.
Thankfully, I was in a high school that had an excellent home economics program.
And that’s how I learned my gifts.
I had a teacher who invested time in me.
She taught me how to make a basic roux.
And the muffin mix method.
And how to iron a shirt properly.
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And every time I am standing at the board with iron in hand, I am forever grateful for her.
Sometimes it feels so weird/’odd-man-out’-ish to not have the same gifts and talents as everyone around you, but I’m so glad you found what makes you feel comfortable in your skin! And that you had an awesome mentor/teacher who was able to invest in you and encourage those gifts. Thanks for sharing, and I’ll be sure to stop by again next week with the Love Yourself Link-up!
Oh, that “odd person out” feeling is so familiar. Phys Ed was horrifying and embarrassing for me, lol. I’m glad you found YOUR gifts :)
Love this! I bet there are a lot of girls who feel this way – and a lot of women! A great reminder that all it take to make a difference in someone’s life (esp the life of a child/young adult) is one caring adult.
thanks :)