“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ~ Steve Jobs
The opportunity to think different.
The Willy Street Fair: Madison, Wisconsin
On a brisk sunny September morning, I travel to Madison, Wisconsin (just a short drive away) with two of my kids. Our plan:
Think different.
Be it. Do it.
The Willy Street Fair.
The whole concept of this fair, a neighborhood celebration of diversity and united-ness, is different than any I’ve experienced before. See, we went knowing we would be dressing different than normal, that we’d be walking in the parade and doing different.
And.…
Different was the norm on this day.
This parade, this fair, this celebration of diversity shined the beauty of what different can be! More than that, though — this was different with full acceptance. A celebration of the unique! A belief in all that IS possible! Fun! Life affirming!
What if…
What if every day was like that. Where different was fully accepted. Where different was encouraged. Where different was celebrated. Where different brought deeper connection.
How do we get there? How do we get to where different is okay. (because it is!!)
We have to do it! When each of us takes those steps…those steps into the unknown that different can bring — we allow others to do that, too.
Small steps. Big steps. In between steps.
What can YOU do? Today.
Think different.
Be it. Do it.
Rock on, brother. This is beautiful, and funny, and amazing…just like you. Thank you for the heart smile and the laughter today.
Jay Schryer´s Last Fabulous Post ..From Darkness– Beauty
Jay,
Glad to bring a smile and some laughter!! In fact — I wore that hat on the ride home. As we were traveling down the freeway — several people (as they were passing us, or we were passing them) — did a double-take…and then a smile and a thumbs up!! Had we been stopped by a cop, though…I’m not sure he would have seen the same humor in it all!!!
Great to have you here, Jay!!! Have a super day!
This looks like so much fun! Diversity is the name of the game where I live. I appreciate living in such an accepting and creative environment. Tolerance is so important. Thanks for the terrific quote from Steve Jobs.
Sandra Lee´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday reflection– like a flash of ligtening in the sky
Sandra,
This was sooo fun!! And how awesome — that you live in a place where acceptance and creativity are embraced!
(and I love that Steve Jobs quote, too!!)
Lance,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Looks life it was a very entertaining time.
What a wonderful message toward finding our true self. It’s so easy to be so many things we think we’re supposed to be. I think many people would be much more unique if not for a reservation to be “judged” by others. Thanks!
Joe,
This was such an entertaining day! The coolest thing (out of many very cool things) — the guy who drove an old Cadillac in the parade…a Cadillac that had two tuba’s mounted on the hood and a big horn in the middle…all bellowing out bubbles throughout the parade!!! Little bubbles, big bubbles, in between bubbles!!! And thousands of them!!
Yes, that idea of “are we being judged” is something that all too often holds us back from being our authentic selves…from thinking different…from fully living life. And when we can move beyond that, what a beautiful place that is!
Ohhhhhh…how much fun this had to have been!!! I am pretty lucky in that I have a theatre background and playing dress up and assuming roles to try on was the name of the game. It would be absurdly delightful if there were days to come to work dressed as a Disney Princess or Han Solo! Until then…we lurk in the shadows, waiting to burst with joy and wave capes as we soarrrrr to the great wide open!!
Clearly Composed´s Last Fabulous Post .. A Holiday Present From…YOU!
Emma,
This was a blast!! And it was…because we felt completely comfortable in being “different” than normal. Now…to be okay with that in the normalness of our daily life…
A theatre background — how cool!! That had to be so fun, too!!
And — to your comment about dressing up for work — last year (hmmm…about this time last year…) I dressed up for work…as a cheerleader (complete with skirt, pink wig, and pom poms). Scary it was (in the words of Yoda)! So much fun, though — and something that people still talk to me about at work (perhaps I scarred their vision when they saw me!!!)
Here’s to getting our capes on and soaring!!!
I LOVE the picture!!! You are so wise! Your family will forever cherish the things you do. Such a wonderful father and man in general. You make a difference Lance one person one action at a time.
Every time I come here I want to steal all of your quotes and share them everywhere!
Shannon,
You make me smile (big time!!)! I *ahem* don’t think my two kids that were along on this trip would have used the word “wise”!! Although…I’m sure this will be a memory that will stay with these two (and me) for a long, long time.
Shannon, thank you for your sweet and kind words. You, sweet friend, make a difference in my life…immensely…
Thank you Lance, for reminding me to put a little bit of the 8th grade in every day. Tomorrow I shall wear my shirt inside out and go through my workday barefoot — because I can! Oh wait, I do that most days. Self employment has its benefits
Roy,
Let’s rock the 8th grade in ALL of us!!! My wife claims I act more like a kid the older I get (…I take that as a compliment…even though I’m not sure that’s always her intention!!).
Barefoot, shirt inside out…sounds like a great way to start the day (and keep on movin’ through it!!)
What a cool idea! I love it! Nice picture, too!
Caity´s Last Fabulous Post ..From Wellington to Wairarapa
Caity,
Thanks!! This was a fun day!
Hi Lance! Great pic, I’m glad to see the full size version of your Clark Kent-Superman glasses impression. Pretty bold statement.
I like your idea of trying to think differently and doing something different each day. Being different and acting different from the norm, or from our own norm for that matter, is a great idea. When are not afraid of being different, we can actually being ourselves. We can also achieve more since we don’t have to fit a mold.
Thanks for daring to be different and for inspiring us to do the same. Tomorrow I won’t follow my regular schedule. I’ll do something different (not sure what yet).
Loving blessings!
Andrea DeBell — britetalk´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Sexy Art of Touch
Andrea,
Ha!! I’m surprised you recognized me (you know…going with that Clark Kent/Superman idea that I’m not recognizable as the other…)!!
That’s it — acting different is truly about being our true selves! And when we can become okay with this, we CREATE the mold!
Andrea, you shine at being YOU!! It’s so awesomely good to see! And in that — you give others the permission to shine, themselves. How beautiful is that!! So…may today be filled with all sorts of amazing for you…wherever it is that YOU take it…
Much love,
Lance
Just when I had my camera and shopping trolley ready to roll for the Levity Project… along comes this! Thanks Lance… you’re an inspiration… but you already know that. Tomorrow I am in the Starlight Express Room at the Mater Children’s Hospital where kooky and zany is not only possible but in actual fact compulsory. It’s the best thing I get to do all week just seeing those little kids have fun. Daring to be different is the coolest thing you can do for yourself and the world. It doesn’t matter whose looking. Thanks for the brilliant reminder Lance!
Jean Burman´s Last Fabulous Post ..DearDotCom – Two Ladies Laughing
Jean,
Ha!!!! Yes, roll with it (you and that shopping cart!!)!!
Jean, thank YOU!!
And what a wonderful thing you do — your time at the children’s hospital!! Kooky and zany — what awesome words (from an amazing person in YOU!!)!!! Have FUN today with these kids — and let your “zany” run wild!!
Rock on, awesome friend!!
You guys look fantastic! How fun! Where’s Rufus?
Sahar,
Ha!!! Ummm…Rufus…he stayed home! (slacker, isn’t he!!) I’m sure he was probably napping (you know…because he was getting a little break from US!!)
Like I have always said to myself and kids… “different is good.”
Rock on Lance!
Caroline´s Last Fabulous Post ..I cant even begin to tell you
Caroline,
That’s such a great lesson to pass on to your kids!! You too — keep rockin’ your “different”…it’s amazing (just like YOU are!)!!
Lance, like I said to you on Twitter today, you will stay young forever. That is your daughter on your left, correct? I love her t-shirt, her hat and her stripped leggings. It strikes me that it’s easier to be different than it is to try to be like somebody else. Why make it hard, lol.
Davina Haisell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inspired by Spider
Davina,
My wife tells me I act more like a kid the older I get (I’m not sure that she always fully appreciates my antics, though!!)!! I’m trying (to stay forever young)!! (and…thank YOU!!!)
Yes, that’s my daughter on the left, and son on the right. She really does look pretty awesome!! Now…to convince her that it’s okay to look different (and awesome) amongst her peers…(not so easy to do).
Yes — why make it hard…just be true to our being…and that’s all sorts of awesome (just like YOU!)!!
Love the picture that you have posted! It’s great that you are a shining example to your kids. Being different is not necessarily bad. As you’ve clearly demonstrated, it can be a whole lot of fun!
Evelyn Lim´s Last Fabulous Post ..7 What-If Ideas for Creative Visioning
Evelyn,
Thanks!!! I’m going with the idea that my kids will more fully appreciate this when they are older (as in — they haven’t fully bought into the craziness yet…)!!
Yes — being “different” can be a blast!!
So great to have you here today, sweet friend…
Sweet sweet Lance,
Unity in diversity rocks! And you say and show it so wonderfully here.
You do look all awesomely different in that gorgeous pic…And you are wearing my favorite M&M t-shirt.….
Love you and your thoughts lots and lots today! Such a lot of gorgeous happy energy here.…Me loves it!
hugs,
Z~
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Celebration– An Announcement & 33 Spiritual Laws of Happiness
Zeenat,
Thank YOU!!
Isn’t that M&M shirt great!! I LOVE it!!! It’s such a happy shirt… and so bright and shiny!! (hey, that sounds just like YOU!!)
Zeenat, thanks for being here and bringing such love and energy into this space!! You are an amazing soul.…
LOVE THAT PIC & that your kids joined in with you rather than be “embarrassed”. Sign of a great family role model!
What a wonderful idea & fair!!!! Just makes me happy to see that pic & the thought behind it all. My Dad would have loved this. He was always different, bucking the traditional!
In this day & age with the craziness we see on TV, what a nice thing to see this!!!
Jody — Fit at 52´s Last Fabulous Post ..Happiness & The Key to Life
Jody,
Well…here’s the deal: two of my kids joined me because we away from home (and not near any of their friends…which could have been slightly embarrassing…according to them)!! Hopefully this will be something they more fully connect with as they get older — how it’s okay to step outside of what feels normal…and have lots of fun in the process.
And the fair was such a fun event! Our favorite vendor to visit after the parade — “The Complete Fool”!! We came home with the coolest hula hoop (and have been having lots of fun with it since)!!
Thanks so much for being here, Jody!!
Hi Lance,
Love It! Let’s get some posters made with the Job’s quote.
Different, I think I resist because it may cause rejection. And I was rejected and bullied as a kid for years.
Saying that I am different, I never fit in anywhere and wouldn’t or couldn’t if I tried.
Thanks for sharing your photo of your fun and joy. Hugs to you all!
Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..7 Ways to Extend Happiness Today
Tess,
I know!!! That Jobs quote is a favorite of mine!! Something worth reading over and over…to let it really settle into the soul…
Being rejected is not an easy thing. And yet — as I look at you, Tess — I’m drawn to how you really live your life out loud. And that is you — I believe — connecting to what matters to you. And…that is you being “different” more than you think. And it’s so awesome to see!!
Keep shining your amazing light.…
It’s hard to be different in some aspects of life. Starting a business and working for yourself is 1 example. When everyone is part of the herd, and doing sumthing, and you’re not a part of it, you just can’t help but wonder whether you got it all wrong. There’s also a lot of fear.
Henway´s Last Fabulous Post ..Full Stomach When Sleeping
Henway,
You bring up a very important point — that of fear…something that I know has held me back from being “different”. And yet, I’ve also found that when I venture into that (the different), there is good there. Sometimes it may not always feel that way at first (like I did get it all wrong) — but still — the more I travel on this life journey — the more I believe that these perceived failings are indeed what also help to lead me to deeper and more meaningful success…and that is so worth it.
Thanks so much for being here…
You are one way cool dad. You are making memories that are going to be impressed upon them for a lifetime.
I went to UW Madison. But I never went to the Willy Street fair when I was there. (I have since been). I think that at that time I was unsure of being different. I stuck to my crowd and we were anything but different. I wish that I had had more confidence in myself to investigate that. Thanks for sharing that awesome reminder that being different and unique is the most powerful thing. As Kurt Hummel on Glee said last season, “Being different is the best thing about me.”
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Erin Prais-Hintz´s Last Fabulous Post ..I am a Working Artist
Erin,
Howdy there, neighbor to the north (and not too far, either)!! YOU…are awesome!! And…making me feel pretty special right now!! Thank YOU…sweet friend!!!
Those college days (I was in Milwaukee for college…and visited UW Madison several times) were a time when I ventured a bit…but not further than any of my friends. So…I am sure I would have turned away from the Willy Street fair had I known about it back then. (that lack of confidence thing…I can so relate…).
Here’s to shining our own amazing colors…our own “different”!!! (and you do this beautifully, Erin!).
And — what a fun fair this is, isn’t it!!
love this Lance! i needed this after a week of feeling like i don’t quite fit anywhere…thank you so much.
Patience,
Thanks!! I sometimes feel that way, too…as if I’m not quite fitting in…even when I’m being much more “normal” than this picture shows. And then — on days like this — I’m given a fresh outlook on life — and what is possible!! And this fair — it truly shined at acceptance of all…
Thanks so much for being here!
Hi Lance .. wonderful .. the pic, the Willy fair — you have to be joking, .. and then Steve Jobs’ quote at the beginning — lovely mix .. and sounds such fun .. misfits = life and soul of the party ..
Great to see — thanks so much .. Hilary
Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..This Earth’s Crust its waste– but yet its offerings
Hilary,
We felt a bit like jokesters on this particular day!! And in such a fun way!!
That Steve Jobs quote is a favorite of mine — such powerfully affirming words!
Thanks for visiting, Hilary!!
Lance, you made my laugh so hard I cried. What a great dad! And your kids don’t look embarrassed one bit. This post is short, sweet and so inspiring I got shivers thinking of the possibilities, the opportunity and the wisdom of thinking and acting differently. Even as we blog, we slip into the same old way that everyone else does it and we forget that difference is delightful and inspiring. We are creatures of habit who crave difference. Odd beasts we are, but lovely all the same. Thank you for bringing sunshine to my rainy day.
Katie Tallo´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Grow Momentum in Your Life
Katie,
Okay…I’ve got this big grin on my face right now!! (glad to make you laugh…wondering if I went overboard since you laughed so hard you cried!!!!)
Well..those two kids don’t look embarrassed because none of their friends are there, and no one they know is (that definitely helped on this particular day!). I hope that I can instill in them that they can do their own thing…and it doesn’t matter what others think. For now, I’ll take that they went along with this — knowing that if this were where their friends are, it would not have happened. (baby steps…)
You know…I’ve been thinking about this point exactly — just recently — how even here where I like to think I’ve opened myself up more (through blogging) — that it’s also easy to get caught in that trap of doing the same thing over and over and not fully thinking about what the deeper meaning is any more. So — thank you so much for bringing this up. (yes…we are creatures of habit…) Much to ponder with all you have shared here — and know that I deeply appreciate it all…and am so grateful for you presence here today…
Diversity is the greatest feature of this whole universe. It makes life never boring, it is the reason we have evolution, and the reason we have so many different arts, cultures, and traditions. The synthesis of these diverse elements creates newer entities, and the process of diversity never ends.
Think different. Be different. You have no choice.
Awesome post Lance!
Steven H´s Last Fabulous Post ..To Catch An Insight
Steven,
Diversity is beautiful, isn’t it!! And when we embrace the truth in our soul…and let that shine…we touch upon the richness that is unique to us…diverse and amazing!!
Thanks for the visit!
I LOVE that you are doing that with your kids, Lance. You are truly an inspiration!
Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Adjustment– pleasant call and loving the lattes
Lynn,
Thank you so, so much!!
Depends on the cop. I would have laughed and probably got my camera out.
Matty´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Power of Kindness
Matty,
Ha!! Yes…it probably does depend on the cop. I hope I’d get the one with a real sense of humor!!
Hi Lance!
Awesome. My very favorite part of this (other than, of course, that fantastic family pic at the top!) was the string of questions you asked: “What if every day was like that. Where different was fully accepted. Where different was encouraged. Where different was celebrated. Where different brought deeper connection.” Wow, what a shift in perspective! Yeah, what IF being different was totally cool?
I guess it’s different for everyone. But for me…being ‘different’ (at least today, this week) means sharing more of myself and living more boldly. That’s different for me. Next month, it might be old hat. But for now, I’m taking those baby — or not so baby — steps that will help me continue to live an even fuller life.
Thank you for asking the important questions! You rock.
Michelle @ Following Your Joy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Ready Or Not– Here I Am!
Michelle,
Ha!! Someday perhaps my kids will thank me for this picture!!!
Yes…those questions…questions I should ask myself more often. I love that you have come here today and shared how you have embraced “different” this week. And since I’ve also saw this “different” from you earlier…I also know that it is beautiful!! You sharing yourself more openly…that is a gift…a gift that I treasure. Because in that, I draw an even deeper bond to you, and that is so meaningful to the connection we have. Michelle, you are a gift here today…and in my life…thank you!!
Dear Lance,
I absolutely LOVE you!!!! LOL!
This totally ROCKS!
I am right there with you when you say: “What if every day was like that. Where different was fully accepted. Where different was encouraged. Where different was celebrated. Where different brought deeper connection.”
YES YES YES!!!! You my dear soul brother are a MASTER at allowing yourself to be different, goofy, pink haired, funky-hatted (LOL!!), and wide-open-loving. It just brings tears to my eyes. I want to see you like this when you are 100 years old. I’ve no doubt you will be.
You bring us all to Life, Lance. In your ability and courage to be different, you set us ALL FREE!!! It really and truly is about FREEDOM. And it is one of your great gifts to the world. I am just deeply moved and hugging you to pieces!!
Much love to you and your WONDERFUL familty.
I am sooooo greatful, Lance. More than you know.
Robin
Robin Easton´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Day for Sharing
Robin,
You are so, so sweet…I love you, too!!
Your enthusiasm is one of the things that makes this so much easier for me…to step out of what can sometimes feel like boundaries I’ve let develop. And yet — knowing that you are out here, encouraging me, believing in me, loving me.…it makes this so much more possible, more do-able, more belief for me in what is possible. Robin…you truly do this for me. It’s hard to fully comprehend just how this connection we have which has developed through our respective writings…has drawn us in at a deeper level. It’s beautiful…
Robin, you too shine at letting that authentic YOU shine through!! And it’s so moving for me to experience that…and to connect more deeply with you in that whole process.
This is hard for me…as I write this…your words tonight are landing so beautifully upon my soul. Robin, thank you so much for your amazing and caring friendship…
Big hugs, lots of laughter, a bit of dancing, and oodles of love to you…
Hi Lance,
Nice post my friend and nice photos. We always have to strive to think different in a positive way of course. Thanks for sharing
Dia´s Last Fabulous Post ..The power of self talk
Dia,
Thanks!! This was such a fun day — and such a great way to be more open to what is possible when we allow ourselves to truly shine from our core!!
You remind me of a Dr. Seussian family. You will stay young forever that way! I can’t believe how much your son looks like you, what a blessed family you are. You reap what you sow, and your family’s acceptance of all will come back to you 100 times over.
Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Coffee Shop Conversations
Audra,
I have to tell you…your Dr. Seuss comment…it is very deeply moving for me. Thank you so much for these words…if I can truly live my life in that way…always…what a wonderful sentiment. I’m by no means there, yet — although this parade and the opportunity to be different gives glimpses of what is possible…for me…for you…for everyone.
Yep, I’ve heard that before about that guy on my left!!
Audra, thank you…beautiful friend…
Lance, I love your spirit! It’s so full of light. You just go for it, not alone, but with loved ones (’cause frankly, it’s more fun that way). And what’s even better is you don’t stop there. You push us, ever so gently, asking what if different was embraced and celebrated. And I believe this is what it takes to move the proverbial needle toward change. That gentle nudge. Ever so slight, but there, noted and not to be ignored.
And really, when we stop and think, would we be suprised to find out that different is really the norm, because each of us is unique?
Thank you for your example, leadership and inspiration. Love the photo!
Belinda,
You are a gift in my life…and I feel that so deeply right now. Thank you so much for these sweet and caring words…
And this WAS fun being in this with two of my kids!
If I can somehow be an example (…and in that, sometimes an example of what NOT to do, too!) then that is a wonderful place to be. Your words remind me of that, tonight.
Belinda, thank you for all that you have said…it’s touched me deeply, made me think more deeply, and reminded me of what truly matters…
Hi Lance,
Indeed…what if??? What if!!!!
I can’t help but embrace new and different, it’s my nature..at the same time new and different can often make me a target of some less than peace filled comments…
Then, along comes somone like you…and lots of your readers..to inspire me to continue on..
*Love* the photo..the energy, the boldness..and the fact that your children accompany you, just as mine do..as long as it’s another city they will wear or do just about anything..*grin*…isn’t that how some adults are too?
Joy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Wednesday Wisdom– The Power of Love
Joy,
Yes!!! What if!!! What if we truly embrace the spirit within…
And yes — sometimes…that embracing can lead to hurtful moments. And that…well…it can be hard for our spirit to keep bouncing back. Except.…except when we do this…and have a beautiful experience. and the thing is — we can always have that type of experience…if we are able to move beyond what others think and say (..and I know that this is NOT easy at all…and a real challenge for me…).
Joy, thank you for your honesty in these words. I relate so much to all of this…(thank you for saying all of it)
And yes…that “other” city…a ways from home…and away from people who will know them…this makes it so much easier (and honestly…so much easier for me, too…). My hope is that these steps, even though they may not fully absorb them today, that they stay with my kids — and that they know that they are loved no matter what…and that includes if they are “different” than I expect…
Joy…thank you so much for all of this…for your beautiful spirit…for the love you give to this world…
Lance, when I think of how serious my father was, a bank executive with “important” things on his mind, I know had he built this one memory for me, it would have remained my favorite, yet you build multiple memories for your precious children all the time. If indeed you are growing younger rather than older, I would say that you’re “erring in the right direction”. Bless you, dear friend Lance. What an inspiration and joy you are to our planet Earth.
Holly
Holly,
I can’t fully express how deeply your words are reaching into my soul tonight. Just know that they are…and that what you have written is something I will hold with me, always. Holly, you brighten my life…and tonight I’m reminded of just how beautifully you do this.
There are moments when I question whether I am going in the right direction. As I let your gracious thoughts settle into my soul…I know that I am…even when it feels a bit unsure for me…
Holly, you are such an amazing, amazing soul…and I am touched deeply by your presence…always…
Much love,
Lance
You make me laugh. Thank you for reminding me to give myself permission everyday to be silly (for myself and for my family).
Cheers to laughter!
Stacey
Stacey,
So GREAT to see you!!! Woohoo!! And here’s to laughter and beauty it brings!! (by the way…I’ve heard your laugh…and it’s a wonderful sound!!)
Have a super weekend!
Love your outlook on life, Lance. And that you are also willing to dance in the grocery store to control kids.
Pamela (@pameloth)
Pamela,
Embracing the fun in life…that’s all sorts or awesome!!!
Woohoo!!!
Wonderful post, Lance — love that quote…and what a gorgeous family
Rock on!!
Naomi Estment´s Last Fabulous Post ..Puppies’ First Swimming Lesson
Naomi,
I’m all for rockin’ on!!! And…you should see us without all this garb on (hmmm.…what would she think then???)
And — I just love that Steve Jobs quote, too!!
Being different is hard. We want to be accepted.
The thing is we can’t all be the same. Even if we could, OMG what a boring world this would be.
We have to embrace who we are and not be afraid to let it out. It’s this side of us that people will learn to love. The weird side of us is the side that people remember. I say yes to embracing our weirdness and hopefully in the process accepting other people’s weirdness.
Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Find Career Fulfillment
Karl,
Acceptance…yes…that thing which can hold us back (I know). That idea of fitting in, of not standing out…it’s a strong one in our culture. Still, when we do — and when we embrace what is uniquely us…we give others the permission to do the same. And — I believe that others really look up to us in these moments (as much as it might feel like we aren’t being accepted).
Way to go Karl — YES to our weirdness, and to accepting other’s too!!!
What a great post Lance! There is something about being in a clown suit that frees your mind, isn’t there? Years ago, before I had kids, I helped start a humor cart at the hospital that I was working in. Amidst the stress of sickness and business of doctors I felt very different walking around the hospital rooms. But people LOVED it!
Your post reminds me that we can all be joyous about our differences. We can wake up each morning and mentally “put on” our clown suit and walk out into the world to spread the joy of being unique!
A pleasure, as always, to read your insights!
Jen
Little Lessons Under the Big Sky´s Last Fabulous Post ..TRASH TALK THURSDAY– Jealousy
Jen,
Thank YOU!! And you know what — you’re right!! I DID feel free to just “be” in that moment…especially as we moved deeper into the parade!! It really became about fully taking in the moment, embracing that voice in me, and sharing it joyfully with those all around!
I love what you have shared, Jen — about your time in the hospital!! What a gift you are!! As weird as it felt…you were doing such amazing good in the world…and that is completely awesome!!
Thank you so much for being here and sharing this!!
This is pretty cool, Lance! Gosh, first of all you three look fantastic. I couldn’t have picked better outfits if I tried. Second of all, this entire past week was about DOING THINGS DIFFERENT for me. I had a friend stay with me for a few days, and we gave each other permission to be exactly who we are — no matter what. That meant saying things that were on our mind that we normally wouldn’t say for fear of hurting the other person or being rejected by them. Things like, “This morning I had a split second thought where I wished you weren’t here.” Yikes… Yet rather than fear rejection by the other person, we each praised and said “Thank you for sharing that,” whenever such admission was made. See, we realized that we’ve spent so much time hiding who we really are for fear of being unloved that it’s hard to act authentically even with permission! How crazy is that?
After what we accomplished, though, I feel much better equipped to come at the world in my metaphorical rainbow wig and say “HEY! This is me, and I’m a-okay just the way I am.“
Different. Be it, do it, think it, and rest assured that it’s all so very good.
Thank you, my friend!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..Interview with Singer-Songwriter Connie Deming
JoyGirl!!!
Have I told you recently how much I love that name!! And…knowing you…it just fits so wonderfully!!!
Megan, thanks for sharing all of this that you have. That IS different (I know it would be for me…as much as I don’t want to admit it). And I just have to think that it felt so good to be authentic, open, and honest with each other — and how wonderfully good, too — for you relationship.
It is all very, very good…
And…it brings a big smile to my face this evening.…and that’s pretty sweet too!!
Big hugs to you…sweet friend…
Lance, What a joy to see your post today! YOur picture made me smile and of course wish that I was right there with you! I have a soft spot in my heart for people who are bold enough to take risks and enjoy life without worries of what other people think. If only I had known that secret all my life. No excuses now. Just living by our own values and following our own star! I think those are some very lucky kids to have chosen you as their dad!!
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Brenda,
Thank YOU!! And…well.…the honest truth is that I don’t always take these bold risks, and then sometimes when I do…I am a little too focused on what others think. On this particular day, though, it was all about being bold and open to new experiences. And that truly was good!
Brenda, I know — the times that I do this (live more authentically and openly) — are the times that are filled with amazing memories…and help to take me to a different plane altogether. Here’s to living this way more fully all the time (for all of us)!!
Thanks Lance. JoAnn and I have been watching a great movie, The World’s Fastest Indian. It’s a true story about a 67-year-old New Zealander who customized his old Indian Scout motorcycle and got himself to the Bonneville Salt Flats after an extraordinary journey. He then surpised the heck out of everyone by setting a speed record of 183.586 mph on his rickety but much loved motorbike.
He sure wasn’t afraid to be “different.” Putting it another way, he simply insisted on being himself, and following his dream — which of course that meant he was “different.“
Christopher Foster´s Last Fabulous Post ..Trust your own being and be free
Christopher,
Thanks for sharing this story!! What a great example this man was — of following the dream in his heart and believing that all IS possible!! I love this!!!
Have a super weekend!
Welllll, I think I know what will make a great graphic for the next time I do up a sidebar button for you!!! Wonderful Lance look.
Hey, I’m changing the name of our street to Willy Way, from Funsterment Ave.
You ROCK in so so many ways.
Doing it.
Being it.
With help from friends like YOU!!
xo
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Jannie!!
Hmmm.…you are getting some CRAZY ideas now!! (re: the sidebar button)!!
Willy!! Isn’t that just a cool word!! And then — to have a fair with that name (short for Williamson Street, I believe)…more coolness!!
I ROCK…because I know YOU!!! (yep…it’s definitely true!!!)
I love the photo!!
“When each of us takes those steps…those steps into the unknown that different can bring – we allow others to do that, too.” It’s courageous to dare to step out of line and be outside the norm and like you say, it’s the very thing that encourages others to do the same.
Life is more fun , interesting and dynamic when we push the edges and find fresh & different ways to live and be.
What a fun and encouraging post!
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Aileen,
It’s GREAT to have you here!! And…thank YOU!!! Perhaps it’s pictures like this that make me look better!!
Yes — and I LOVE what you’ve said — life IS more fun when we push the edges!!
Thanks so much for being here!
Different is good. I like to shake things up. While I’m a fan of structure and routines, I’m also a fan of going off the beaten path, taking the road not taken, and rattling the cage. It’s all good.
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JD,
Well…this was probably a bit “on the road not taken”!!! And in that — so fun…and so good!!
Keep on shaking things up, my friend!!
Lance,
Love the quote from Steve Jobs. Hope all is well for you.
Elliot,
Great to see you — thanks for stopping by!
And I love that quote, too, from Steve Jobs!!!
Have a great one!!
Hi. You see, this article is almost 1 year old, but I don’t see it’s expiring. We will always need to think different, right?
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