Beautifully Different {#reverb10}

Prompt: Beautifully Different

Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.

Ooooooh this is a tough one and I've been staring a blank screen for the best part of the day.  Different I can do . . . . .

Being British (Welsh) & Living In The US

I'm a fairly shy, quiet and private person and don't like to draw too much attention to myself so it was an interesting experience when I first moved to the US.  Suddenly, without even trying, I found myself drawing unwanted attention each time I opened my mouth.

I would say as little as possible while I was out running errands to avoid the inevitable conversation about my accent.

I've gotten used to it over the years and am now able to smile and thank people when they tell me how much they love the British accent and I even laugh and smile when they think I'm Australian.

My Little Fingers Are Bent

I was born with two bent little fingers and the funny thing is my uncle's are exactly the same way.  It certainly made playing the piano and using a typewriter interesting!

Vertically Challenged

I'm short, scraping it at exactly 5ft.  I know I'm not the only short person out there but I often find myself in a room of people towering over me which can leave you feeling more than a little different. 

Growing up I used to use a hand mirror to check how the top of my hair looked because I figured that's what most people would see when they saw me!

Loner

I'm a bit of a loner, I swear I was a hermit in a former life.  A lot of people just don't get how I can spend so much time alone with myself (maybe they know something I don't) but I've always been that way and I kind of like it.

Not Wanting Children

When people learn that I don't wish to have children they either think I'm selfish or a child hater.  Truth is I don't hate children at all, I've just chosen not to have any.  I love my nieces and nephews, I just couldn't eat a whole one (tongue firmly implanted in cheek).

Super Emotional

I'm highly emotional  and cry at all sorts of things.  It can be embarassing, frustrating a hinderance but beautiful it is not.  There are those that look beautiful when they cry, but not me.  I have the ugly cry down pat.  I look as though I've been smacked around the face with a frying pan and I get all blotchy and red.  I'd love to be able to control it, but sadly I can't.

Beautifully Different was harder to articulate so I thought I would ask those who know me.  Here's what they had to say:

Husband:  "The combination of your eyes, smile and aura make you beautifully unique and different from everyone else".

Sister:  "That's easy, the way you love".

Mum:  "You're thoughtful, caring, have a a smile to die for and the fact that you're my daughter".

Brother:  "Being such an outgoing person creatively but not sociably".

Sister-In-Law:  "Your ability to live with a Dechairo and still remain a calm, centered person".

Yvette (Friend):  "1. beautiful (def) wonderful, very pleasing or satisfying... 2. different (def) not ordinary; unusual... so if 1 + 2 = x then I think x = your art!"

Tony (Friend):  "The fact that you're a career artist? Not an easy feat to pull off."

Maggie (Friend):  "Your talent and your kind heart <3"

Their responses made me cry (told you I was emotional).

It's all too easy for us to focus on our faults but if we choose to truly look into the eyes of those closest to us we might be surprised to find our own beauty reflected there.

I’m participating in a 31-day blogging challenge called #reverb10, responding to writing prompts that encourage you to reflect on the past year and consider hopes for the coming year.