my biggest insecurity

The forest green Ford Aerostar pulled up to my elementary school.

I got in, head slumped in shame.

Mom could tell I was upset.

I told her through tears about how some kids had been laughing at me in the after school program.

She hugged me, comforted me, and then looked me straight in the eyes.

"You can’t be afraid of people laughing at you. In fact, you need to be the first person to laugh at yourself. Then they will have no power over you."

Mom was right.

Something inside me clicked.

The next day I went back to school with a renewed sense of confidence and the ability to make myself the butt of the joke.

I made them laugh on my own terms. And it felt good.

My fear of being laughed at became my secret weapon: the ability to disarm through humor.

Now I wear my silliness as a badge of honor.

It's in my copy. In the videos I share. On my profiles. It's me. And so it's a major part of my brand voice.

It's the flaw that became a feature.

My not-so-secret weapon.

You have one, too.

Maybe you’ve resented it all of your life.

Wished you could have something else.

But it’s not your kryptonite.

It’s your superpower.

Embrace it.

And if you’re feeling brave, share it.

I’d love to know what it is.

Stay Silly.