Why fit in when you were born to stand out
Nobody’s perfect. That’s what they all say. But when you’re a teenager, that saying never crosses your mind, especially with girls. We are always comparing ourselves to everyone around us, finding their flaws and comparing them with our own.
I had that problem. Every time I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see anything but my flaws. My nose was too big, or I always looked tired. Maybe my hair was frizzy and my thighs were too big. I didn’t even notice the great things about myself. A web of insecurities shrouded my view on my self. It may seem a bit dramatic, but when you’re a teenager, isn’t everything?
It wasn’t until recently that I began to think differently. In my yoga class, we were told to create a flow just for us. We didn’t even have to share it; it was only for when we needed it. The idea was to take a word that had to do with one of the heart qualities that you needed to feed. At first I choose truthfulness. Something most everybody needs to work on, but then I decided to elaborate on that by adding individuality to the mix.
To me truthfulness is being true to yourself and those around you, which coincides with individuality. Knowing who you are and accepted that is, in my opinion, the greatest thing a person can do. Unfortunately I haven’t gotten there yet, so that’s what my flow focuses on. It’s also about knowing your flaws and owning them. Or as my teacher put it, finding your own internal elevator buttons and pushing them. They may be hidden deep down there, but I believe anyone can find them.
I think there is a deeper meaning to that. Chakras connect everything in life, and just like elevator buttons you need to activate them. Rise to the next floor, and face new challenges. Dare to set yourself apart from others, and reach out towards the unknown. You are your own person and no one can ever take that away from you.
I named my flow “Why fit in when you were born to stand out”. Which is one of my favorite quotes by Dr Seuss. I used to feel insecure about my muscular legs, but now I use them to my advantage to help me balance. I have a lot of poses that enhance that trait. Now whenever I feel down, because of those petty feelings; I look up at my flow and just breath..deeply.
Wow! You are so wise, so beautiful and so very inspiring, Frankie. Thank you for sharing!
wow- awesome! i know you mama is proud! 🙂
This is incredible insight. Thank you for sharing your story.
Frankie that’s absolutely outstanding. You are an amazing writer and I’m happy that your my sister.
Bravo!
Frankie, you have wisdom far beyond your years. Never underestimate how much this post can (and undoubtedly [b]will[/b][i][/i]) positively affect others..of ALL ages. The only thing that would have been even better, if that’s possible, is if I had been lucky enough to have read this when i was 13; however, I am most grateful to read it now. Thank you.
Frankie right ya Frankie that is so cool I like and 😉 it nice
Am so honored to be your grandmother. You do stand out and You walk your truth! You stand out in Glorious Beauty, Joy, Laughter and Wisdom. You are a Teacher to us all!. And You are incredibly beautiful both inside and out! xoxoxxo Emilie aka Nama
I would like to commend an outstanding Teacher who encourages her students to Stand Out rather than “fit in” with the status quo. Frankie Crawford shared that her yoga teacher asked them to create a flow just for themselves. They were to find words that had to do with one of the heart qualities that had to be fed. Imagine teaching teens to “feed their hearts” with qualities to nourish their souls. Inspiring indeed! How many teens know about chakras, energy systems and heart qualities? An inspiring story indeed! An impressive teenager, an amazing gifted Teacher and an awe inspiring story! It feeds my heart!
Seriously, Frankie! U r cool. Let’s hang out.