I have always been interested in Greek mythology since high school. So
much so that I thought I would write an academic book on the nine muses. The
nine muses are fascinating because they are symbolic of the nine creative
expressions. Calliope is my favorite--we are soulmates. Through the years, she
has shown up in my life in so many ways--just when I needed her; I would hear
her voice. Truth be told--it has been many years and that book about the nine
muses still has not been published and probably will not be published. I am okay
with that because it does not mean that I don't have a voice. I do have
something to say and I have decided that Tuesday is the day to talk about it.
I know now that I have been trying to "fit in" for all of my life and
now I am at a point where I am just sick of it. Sick of it in a way that my
stomach hurts if I try to do the "fit it" thing. At 20 years old, I was trying
to fit in 90% of the time. At 30 years old--that percentage dropped to 75% but
still the number was way too high. Here I am in my late forties--actually closer
to 50 and the percentage is at an all time low--10%. If it takes the rest of my
life, I want to get rid of the 10%. I no longer want to fit in--it is not
healthy for the spirit, mind or body. I will no longer give the tithe of 10% to
fitting in. I no longer want to be the "ugly duckling."
We all know the story of the ugly duckling...the "ugly duckling
syndrome" implies you are unacceptable if you don't fit in. The implication
alone is enough to make anyone uncomfortable and crazy in their own skin. But
let's get to the heart of the matter...what we are really uncomfortable with is
being naked. If you are naked, you can't be someone elses' notion of who you
should be. Calliope is the writer and she is naked so all you can hear is her
beautiful voice. She will write on toilet paper if she has to because writing
confirms her worth. Her story, my story, your story, our story...write it! If
the story is not valued it will not be written. Calliope used her beautiful
voice to declare loudly her epic poetry. Our writing does not have to be like
Calliope's epic poetry, Homer's "Iliad" or John Milton's "Paradise Lost". You
get rid of the "ugly duckling" by reaching your level and letting your voice be
heard--no matter what you write. WE WERE NOT BORN TO FIT IN--WE WERE BORN TO
STAND OUT! This is my first Tuesday talk--I hope you heard me.
© 2010 Theda Okona All Rights Reserved