Goobers Leading Goobers
You know, every once in a while, someone from my old high school who is slightly younger than me messages me to say thanks.
You see, I grew up a weirdo in a very small town. I dressed how I wanted and listened to what I wanted. I did what I wanted to do. I was loud and funny and freaky and valedictory. I was a vegetarian who read weird books. I did the robot at every opportunity. I stuck out like a sore thumb among the jocks, churchies, and farm kids. And what these younger friends message me to tell me sometimes is that my being so secure with my true self in junior high and high school inspired them to grow up and have more confidence in their true selves -- to grow into the wonderful goobers they have become.
I was definitely not 100% confident back then. I'm still not. But I only know how to be myself, and if that inspires someone else, fuck yes.
Anyway, an old (yet younger) friend just messaged me to tell me his story, and to tell me that I inspired him to be him, and that I deserve only good things in my life, and goddamn if it didn't make me start crying.
Thank you, young friend, for giving me a sliver of light in this darkness. I have to carry on. I can't let my young goobers down.
You see, I grew up a weirdo in a very small town. I dressed how I wanted and listened to what I wanted. I did what I wanted to do. I was loud and funny and freaky and valedictory. I was a vegetarian who read weird books. I did the robot at every opportunity. I stuck out like a sore thumb among the jocks, churchies, and farm kids. And what these younger friends message me to tell me sometimes is that my being so secure with my true self in junior high and high school inspired them to grow up and have more confidence in their true selves -- to grow into the wonderful goobers they have become.
I was definitely not 100% confident back then. I'm still not. But I only know how to be myself, and if that inspires someone else, fuck yes.
Anyway, an old (yet younger) friend just messaged me to tell me his story, and to tell me that I inspired him to be him, and that I deserve only good things in my life, and goddamn if it didn't make me start crying.
Thank you, young friend, for giving me a sliver of light in this darkness. I have to carry on. I can't let my young goobers down.