Channeling Your Little Weird

"The writer, perhaps more than any of his fellow artists, has access to the human subconscious. His words sink deep, shaping dreams, easing the pain of loneliness, banishing incantations and omens, keeping alive the memories of the race, providing intimations of immortality, nourishing great anticipations, sharpening the instinct for justice, and imparting respect for the fragility of life. These functions are essential for human evolution." - Norman Cousins

I know. You've never heard more beautiful words on the art of writing, have you? Glad to share the wealth.

Ryan Hanley wrote a blog post the other day on channeling your Little Weird- the unique, quirky, eccentric part we all have, but often tone down or hide, often subconsciously, because we were conditioned to do so by everyone from our parents to our teachers to our peers. After all, no one likes being the butt of a joke. But what if the same Little Weird that momentarily spurs sideways glances, snickering or even scorn from some, also sparks the most imaginative ideas, fostering innovative thinking and ultimately progressive creation? The amazing thing about the Little Weird is,     

We all have it.

BUT....

Few of us use it. 

As Ryan says, "When my little weird is running the show I'm an Artist." Being weird is perfectly OK, and the ability to harness your inner weirdness is nothing less than something to be celebrated. Besides, let's be honest with ourselves...artists and "artsy" people are already auto-added by the masses to the "Weird" box. We might as well embrace our perceived roles as Weirdos and use it to our advantage, channeling those off-the-wall thoughts and angled views into actual creativity with an end result no less than Art. 

I hope that, if you haven't already, this year you are able to not only recognize but embrace and love your Little Weird, and respect the Little Weird in everyone.  Definitely on my list. 

Repeating after Ryan,

Today I am an Artist. 

(Above) Macklemore clearly knows what I'm talking about. Cinderella too. (Below)