I’m Just Me Because Month in October invites all people to express their individuality by promoting individual development, creating environments that break down stereotypes, and embracing who we really are. 

 

After a childhood of loving all things orange, I was in junior high when I discovered it was neither a popular nor a cool hue to call your favorite. I began answering pink or purple to assuage my nerdiness. It is rather self-explanatory the depths my geek-o-meter went when you realize that I felt the need to apologize to my beloved orange every time I denied her. 

 

I would be in my 20’s before I proudly admitted she was my true favorite. 

 

It took even longer to boldly pronounce the quirks that made me ME: pretending to be Disney heroines twirling in song and dance routines in my living room often, watching every episode of Hannah Montana and Good Luck Charlie long after my kids were grown, painting my toenails each a different color when I can’t decide on a polish, playing with my Fisher Price house when no one is around. 

 

I love theatre and music and dance competitions. I love playing “Miss America” and pretending to answer the impromptu questions. I love word puzzles and puns. I love going to the movies alone and eating dinner with friends. I love talking to the animals at the zoo. 

 

These are the things that make me unique. Some may say interesting. Others might say weird. But the important thing is…I love being me! I’ve embraced it all, the normalcy and the oddities, and am grateful that I have grown into the person who is unashamed of who she is. 

 

 

What makes you YOU? Do you still try to hide the parts you think others won’t accept? Or do you let it all hang out with pride? 

 

Expressing who we are also goes a long way to improving and maintaining mental wellness. When we are confident in our voice and uniqueness, we share those qualities with others. We build upon a foundation that we can fall back on in times of crisis. 

 

Our mental wellness overcomes many obstacles life throws at us. October and I’m Just Me Because Month provides an opportunity to grow and experience understanding in ways we never have before and build resilience.