I’ve been thinking a lot about flags recently, so it’s the topic of this “BEing Uniquely YOU” (BUY) newsletter and a whole podcast episode.
Flags are a way to let others know who we are and what we stand for. We might fly a flag of our favorite sports team, our country, etc… as an example (maybe even a pirate flag, arghhh 🙂)
When we let others know what we stand for (by flying our flag) people tend to come out of the woodwork. As an example, if I am wearing an LA Rams hat people will approach me and say “Go Rams!” or “Whose House” things Rams fans say.
Most people are afraid to proudly share with the world who they really are, since others may judge you, but the reality is… we are all a little different, unique, quirky, freaky in our own way. That is what makes us interesting and truly loved by those who really know us. In fact, you can’t have real intimacy with anyone until you know intimately who they really are.
What’s the worst that could happen if you fly your freak flag and let people know who you really are?
Some people might not like you, but really who cares. More people will love you for who you are, and you will find there are a lot more people in this world that believe and think as you do, they are just afraid to let other people know too.
Whether you realize it or not, people are going to judge you, and haters will be haters, no matter what you do, so you might as well avoid the shame and guilt of pretending to be someone you aren’t.
I’m sure there are some people who think I’m childish for liking Mr. Rogers. I’m sure there are some people who think I have a potty mouth, or a really bad sense of humor. I’m sure there are some people who think I’m weak because I can get emotional watching movies or listening to music…
and there are more people who actually think those things are pretty cool and identify that way too.
Even though I like rock-n-roll, I also like the Bee Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, and yes even ABBA. Might seem a little embarrassing, and metal heads like two of our sons might give me grief, but I know lots of other people enjoy their music too since the Bee Gees has sold over 200 million albums, KC and the Sunshine Band has sold over 100 million albums, and ABBA has sold nearly 400 million albums, and that’s the way I like it Fernando at Waterloo 🙂
Funny story, my wife gave me shit for listening to ABBA while I was re-tiling our bathroom, “not the kind of music a tradesman would be listening to,” even though she loves ABBA too.
One of my mentors, Jim Fortin says “what’s most personal, is most general” and he’s right.
The #MeToo movement is just one of countless examples. When the first women had the courage to stand up and tell what happened to them it gave other women courage to come forward too. I was amazed by how many women in my life started sharing their #MeToo stories. Women all over the world realized they no longer needed to hide or feel ashamed for what someone did to them… there is a whole world full of women that have gone through the same thing.
What is most personal (that which we are embarrassed or afraid to admit) is most general (affects so many others too, we just think we are the only one).
It’s not fun feeling alone, and I know so many of you may feel alone, but you aren’t.
Having the courage to fly your freak flag and show people who you are takes courage, but it is also very empowering and the only way to be authentically you.
How much longer will you wait until you fly your freak flag?
As I told you before, I Like You Just the Way You Are and so do lots of other people.
So put on your boogie shoes, and shake your booty while you let your freak flag fly!
This week why not celebrate others who are letting you know who they are. If you see someone wearing a shirt with a band or sports team you like, let them know. If you see someone having the courage to be themselves, let them know you appreciate their example.
We can all be little rays of sunshine to others around us, and I promise it will make you and them feel a lot more accepted and loved.
For the rest of the story, listen to this whole Jamming with Jason podcast episode I did on this topic.
Listen in as we discuss flags, ice cream, and so much more in this episode, and you have a choice between audio or video below, since that’s how I roll.
