Be a Different Egg. Don’t Get Scrambled!

By Cynthia Herron @C_Herronauthor

All of us have met people who are “different eggs.” Different eggs march (or roll) to the beat of a very distinct drum. They come from various walks of life and they have a unique approach to the world around them. Maybe you’re one of those eggs–a delightful creative who thinks in the abstract and acts on “gut.”

If that describes you, here’s what I want to say: It really is OKAY.

I’m not talking about the in-your-face, blowhard individuals we meet every now and then. I’m thinking more about the sensitive, kind-hearted souls who feel things deeply and think beyond boundaries. Their self-worth isn’t determined by society’s perception of “perfect.” They’re not limited by the doable or hindered by fear. They’re movers and shakers and dreamers and workers.

They’re game-changers.

Different eggs jump in the middle of life and go for broke!

When I was a little girl, I so wanted to fit in. I wanted to be scrambled eggs like everyone else. Those were the eggs that satisfied. They appeased, yet there was nothing unique or different about them. They all looked the same.

By second grade I realized I was different. I colored outside the lines. I asked “why?” a lot. I found words beautiful and exotic. I liked spelling bees, chapter books, and bright, red crayons. And I adored garden peas, fried quail, and tomato preserves.

Still, I rarely broke rules, and one time I was voted “Princess of the Class.” I tried my best to blend in and not create waves, though it left my eight-year-old heart conflicted.

Why couldn’t I be a normal, middle-of-the-road egg and not viewed as odd just because I saw the world in pretty shades of neon? Why couldn’t I have it both ways?

I was a kid. A kid with a huge imagination who preferred polka-dots to black and white.

Ahhh… Life is but a conundrum.

Years passed. I grew older. I got smarter. I understood “different” wasn’t bad. If it hadn’t been for my parents and other encouragers along the way, I might have been content as a “normal,” middle-of-the-road egg.

Thank heaven I now know that round pegs in square holes make life more interesting. We’re free-thinkers and visionaries.

And, too, we value our faith, family, and freedom. We appreciate tradition, yet we embrace possibility.  Same is nice, but different is extraordinary!

Another thing–a side note really…

I rarely eat scrambled eggs anymore. When I make them for my family, I shun plain. I’ll liven them up with seasonings and spices and ham, cheese, or bacon bits. Something.

My preference is to create beauty from blah. And to me, scrambled is blah.

If scrambled eggs are your thing, then more power to you. But just think how tasty a colorful quiche is when compared to the same ol’ thing.

Not only is quiche more appealing, it has substance. It has various and interesting ingredients that make it unique.

Remember, “different” means veering course once in a while and blazing new trails. Different is bold and witty without the melodrama. “Different eggs” respect other’s opinions while having a few of their own.

The point is: dare to be different! Break the yolk, but don’t get scrambled!

Be the egg who refuses to jump in the skillet just because it’s quick, fashionable, or tried-and-true. Don’t let another minute go by without realizing your potential.

You’re not weird because you’re different.

You’re a gem because God made you that way.

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In what ways are you unique?

In other words, what makes you YOU?

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As an avid encourager and lover of the underdog, Cynthia Herron writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Midwest. Her work is represented by WordServe Literary. Connect with “Cindy” on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

This article first appeared on the author’s blog.