This is a question many of my clients ask me, ” Why am I different?” It all depends on what you believe “different” is. A better question to ask would be, “Am I different?”
We’re all trying assert our difference in society, just look at the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities. Society is differentiating into sectors demanding rights and recognition regularly.
So on the one hand we want to be different but in another way, being different can feel isolating.
There are many ways to describe the word “different”. Negative connotations such as outcast, freak or misfit might be used. But then positive synonyms exist too: unique, divergent, distinct, independent.
When you think about it, it’s not the labels that we give ourselves that matter. What does matter is the meaning and emotions behind the label.
Whenever you catch yourself labelling, identify whether it’s in a positive or negative way. If it’s negative, look for an alternative way to look at it. There is ALWAYS more than one way to look at reality. Different could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your perspective. Perspectives can always be questioned as it is a version of reality, not reality itself.
Asking why you are different is often seen in a negative way. We all want to fit in and be accepted and this is the reason smaller groups are forming. Groups that we can align ourselves with, such as LGBT communities.
Embrace difference, we are all different from one another in obvious and subtle ways. Different doesn;t necessarily have to be a bad thing.
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
