Calling all misfits, outsiders, and those who feel alone

I believe there are times in our lives when we are the misfit.  We don’t fit in.   As we grow, we all move at a different pace, and when growth like this happens, it can make you feel isolated and alone.  I’m reading the book “Real Artists Don’t Starve” by Jeff Goins, and he talks about the power of collaboration.  As I went through the chapter, “Collaborate with Others”, with my mastermind group of coaches, we talked about how we tend to see art as a solitary thing, yet so much beauty and great work comes from the power of collaboration.

So where does the misfit come in?  There are times we need to draw inward.  Listen to ourselves and let the noise of the outside world become quiet.  Author John Acuff talks about “don’t compare your backstage to someone else’s front stage.”  Sometimes, we need to go backstage.  We need to take a look around and see what tools and resources we have within that we want to take to the forefront.

I firmly believe in community, connection, and working with others.  Yet the idea of a misfit struck a cord with me.

There are many ways to find community:

• Mastermind
• Church/Life Groups
• Family (And don’t discount the little voices in your family – sometimes the youngest of all can be our greatest teachers)
• Exercise/Walking Groups
• Makers/Workspaces
• Conferences
• Business
• Clients/Customers
• Neighborhood
• Online Focus Groups

Sometimes being the “misfit” is okay – and it’s a time to reconnect with yourself, turn inward, and be at peace with who you are. And then, when you stop forcing it, that community will show up when you need it most.

It’s okay to be a misfit

Are you okay with what makes you different?  Enough to be willing to deviate from the norm?

What is your “why”?

Think on this, and pay attention to what your solitude allows for your own personal growth.  Namaste.