I don’t watch much TV and so it’s no surprise that I didn’t watch the Oscars last night. But today I was made aware of a speech given by Graham Moore for a screenplay adaption for the movie The Imitation Game.

Ok, I’m not gonna lie, last time I was in a movie theater was to see “This is It” – the Michael Jackson documentary. Before that probably Romeo and Juliet in high school. I’m just not a TV or movie kind of gal! So I really don’t know anything about this movie except what I read on the page about this speech.

If you didn’t catch it either, here is what he said:
“Here’s the thing. Alan Turing never got to stand on a stage like this and look out at all of these disconcertingly attractive faces. I do. And that’s the most unfair thing I’ve ever heard,” Moore began. “So in this brief time here, what I wanted to do was say this: When I was 16 years old, I tried to kill myself because I felt weird and I felt different, and I felt like I did not belong. And now I’m standing here, and so I would like this moment to be for this kid out there who feels like she’s weird or she’s different or she doesn’t fit in anywhere: Yes, you do. I promise you do. Stay weird, stay different, and then, when it’s your turn, and you are standing on this stage, please pass the same message to the next person who comes along. Thank you so much!”

And this is what I want to share with you today. When I was 16 years old, I tried to kill myself because I felt weird and I felt different, and I felt like I did not belong.

In fact age 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 – up until the time I became a mother at the age of 19. That was the turning point for me. That was when I finally felt like I had a purpose. And that is definitely what saved my life.

I must admit that I spent about 40 years trying really hard to not “be weird”! To fit in and feel like I was accepted by all the “normal” people that I encountered every day. That was hard. That was very, very hard. It wasn’t until I accepted my weirdness that I felt like I finally belonged.

If you are still reading this I know it is because you feel like you are weird in some way too. If that is true, then I celebrate you! These boring normal people don’t know what they are missing! They just go through each day on auto-pilot and don’t get to have the awesome experiences we do! I am so glad I’m not like them!

Seriously though, it is when we embrace exactly who we are and set out on a self-discovery of what that means FOR US that we become free and find that place where we do fit in. And just like what Graham Moore said above:
“I would like this moment to be for this kid out there who feels like she’s weird or she’s different or she doesn’t fit in anywhere: Yes, you do. I promise you do. Stay weird, stay different”

And if you do that, you will find your tribe. You will find that group of people who have been waiting for you to show up and make a difference in their lives – the same ones that will make a difference in yours. You will fit in exactly as you were meant to. You have a purpose, you have a gift to share that only YOU can share. Don’t shy away from that because, trust me, you will not feel fulfilled until you share it.

Surrender to the flow. Rejoice in your power. Embrace the magic. Accept your divinity. We are all patiently waiting for you!

I never in a million years would have thought (from my teenage weird self) that I would have people thanking me daily for being who I am today. For sharing my gift in a way that is meaningful to them, that assists in their healing, that listens and understands exactly what they are saying and seeking. I never would have thought that who I am was important.

I am now proud to be exactly who I am and as I am – which is definitely NOT NORMAL! And it is definitely weird in some people’s minds. But I don’t worry about those normal people and neither should you. All of us weirdos love and accept you! I’m really glad you are one of us!

Stay Weird – you do fit in and I promise there is a reason you are here.

Share your thoughts in the comments below to show strength and support for the other weird ones like us!