���Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.���

I don���t advertise what my ���real��� job is, due to the nature of the work, but I will reveal my occupation involves children.

One little boy wears me out on a continual basis. Eli. Eli���s a sweetheart, although he doesn���t play well with others. His problem is an eagerness to fit in. Though he tries, his efforts are rarely successful. My heart when the other children tell him they don���t want him in their groups. The end results is alienation and then he becomes angry and lashes out,-which reverts into time out.

I understand Eli���s plight. For many years, I also strived to fit into a certain mold. I learn to fake it to some degree and did my best to conform. Bet every one of us probably experienced similar situations, but so many are like me, who tried to remain mainstream, and failed.

I���m not mainstream. And that���s okay.

I���m the lady who creates stories in her head. I make up tales out of a simple drive to the grocery store. I once found the situation strange, but now I think it���s kind of cool. I produce an entirely different universe without leaving my sofa. Talk about a good time.

The great life shake ups come from traveling in the wrong direction, and to get us on track to where we���re supposed to go. To resist only makes the change more difficult. Let���s be truthful, we���re only here for so long, living life in limbo is certainly a waste.

We all possess gifts which make us unique and individual. I used to shun what made me distinct for fear of standing out, being laughed at, or misunderstood. I���m fine if everyone doesn���t get me. My acceptance of myself created an amazing transformation and I���m riding a wonderful ride. I���ve made many new friendships, those I���ll cherish always. For the first time, I don���t feel out of step with the rest of the world, even if I am.

How about you? Do you fit in?