Rumors of Glory » Blog Archive » Vive la Difference

Vive la Difference

Jun 19th, 2008 by Lucille

“Lu-lllllleeeeeeee-na!” Laurie would yell as she came leaping into the university cafeteria. All heads would turn, first to look at her, and then to look at “Lulina” – that’s me. About that time, I was ready to crawl under the table.

Laurie was a dance major. That itself was rare at Creighton University where almost everyone was a pre-law, pre-med, or a nursing student. Laurie came from Minnesota and she loved Prince. She would gyrate on the bed, with pretend microphone in hand, singing, “…she wore a raspberry Beret, the kind you find at a second hand store…”

Even though Laurie was always embarrassing me, she was a wonderful roommate. Her shelves were piled high with tights, leggings, leotards, sweaters, and feminine blouses. Along the top of her bed’s headboard were at least 20 bottles of designer perfume that she shared freely with me. But the most unique thing about Laurie was her sock collection. Laurie had a pair of anklets to fit any outfit and occasion. She was appalled if my socks didn’t coordinate with my daily attire: “Lulina, here are some red Christmas socks with jingle bells for your hooves.”

Oh, that’s another thing I forgot to tell you. She nicknamed every human body part with an animal part.

As a counselor, I meet my share of people who are trying to be perfect. They want to fit in so badly that they are desperately trying to be flawless. Instead, they become perfectly boring.

I tell my clients that part of good mental health is seeing yourself in a realistic way – with both good and bad qualities. I tell them to think of the most unique person they know, and then I ask if that person is perfect. Without fail, the person they admire never is.

In fact, usually the person has an outlandish, or silly personality. Or some unique feature that sets them apart. I tell my clients how I used to feel embarrassed about my toes, because they are square, and they look like someone just lopped them off. But now I love my toes. They are what make me different. I also love my belly laugh that makes strangers stop and look up. And I love the silly phrases I use that make my kids turn red. For instance if something great happens, I shout, “Dagwood!”

So here’s to all the people in the world who bring life and fun. Imagine Laurie giving you a high five. Only she would tell you to put your paws in the air.

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