Being different

At a diversity and inclusion conference last week, we had to do some table talk. You know the sort, when they ask you to discuss something with the folks at your table.

The question that we were asked to discuss was brilliant. Truly fascinating. And the answers were very insightful.

It went like this:

"When was the first time, that you realised, that you were different?"

Go on, think about it. When was the first time you realised you were different?

Here is my example. It sounds rather trite, but actually I think I learned a little bit more myself as I pondered the memory later.

It is hard to say if it was the first time that I realised I was different, but let's say, it was an early memory.

It goes back to my school days, which incidentally were rather lovely. I remember sitting on those little grey, plastic chairs, which tuck neatly under the little grey, plastic tables. I would have been waiting for my school dinner to be served (yes in those days we were served whilst seated) by those, usually overweight, but ever so friendly, dinner ladies. Remember them?

Once a week, there woud be chips on the menu (translated as fries to those over the water). Of course chips were the highlight of the week and a huge hit with all the kids.

Well all the kids, except me.

I remember saying, "No thanks, I don't like chips!"

Looking back I remember the gasps of horror of this oddity, this weird behaviour, which the other kids could not fathom. However this did quickly move to, yeah that means more for me, happy kind of behaviour from my little table friends.

What I do not remember is whether I really did not like chips, which is most bizarre, given that I love them now, or whether I was actually denying myself this pleasure because I wanted to stand out. Maybe I wanted to be different. Maybe I wanted to get this attention and reaction.

Either way, I liked the reflective question and maybe I am beginning to learn that actually I enjoyed standing out as a child.  Some would say also as an adult - karoke anyone?

So grab a coffeee, and have a ponder about this one.

What does it tell you about yourself?

As always, let me know.

Chips anyone? No way, I am not sharing!