I Have A Confession

I occasionally get some comments about my blog and how it’s always so serious (you know who you are). Well, for a change of pace, here is my attempt at being not so serious.

This blog is me being lighthearted, but it’s also me being vulnerable. With that being said, I hope you laugh (at me, with me or both) and also find value in my words. Per usual, there will be life lessons woven into the fabric of this narrative, however, without further ado, let’s get started.

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I Fold My Dirty Laundry

Yup. You read that right.

It was something I never really thought much about… that is until my girlfriend, Michaela, (it’s time she made an appearance in one of these) watched me do it and couldn’t hold back her laughter.

The fact that I fold my dirty laundry has become a running joke in our relationship and it’s an easy way to get a laugh from her when I need it. However, the introspective side of me can’t help but dig deeper than this surface level quirk of mine. This post is going to be short and simple – I want to talk about two things Michaela has helped me realize about my dirty laundry.

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Embrace your quirks; it’s part of what makes you who you are. 

I’ll be honest, the first time Michaela found out that I fold my dirty laundry, I was a little embarrassed and I got in my head.

‘she probably thinks I’m insane’

However, contrary to what I told myself, Michaela quickly made it known that she loved the fact that I fold my dirty laundry. She told me that it’s part of what makes me, me and she loves that.

In sharp contrast with my negative self-talk, Michaela’s comforting words made me feel valued and loved. I realized that this habit of mine was part of who I am and that’s nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed by. This blog is my way of showing that you can’t and shouldn’t be afraid of what other people might think of you.

Fully embrace who you are and be yourself, because when you hold back you can’t be authentic and without authenticity you can’t live to your fullest potential.

When you choose to embrace your quirks, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that the people who care about you won’t mind – it might even make them love you more.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter won’t mind.”

Doctor Seuss

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Choose to love people first and then appreciate them for who they are, not who you want them to be. 

I fold my dirty laundry and do a whole lot of other quirky stuff, but that’s part of what makes me, me. When you embrace and acknowledge your quirks it makes it easier to realize that everybody has that thing (or things) that is kind of weird.

While you may not understand someone else’s habits, you can still appreciate them and love them.

What I’ve come to realize is that when you choose to love people first, the quirks don’t matter. When you make the intentional decision to embrace the people in your life with unconditional love, the small stuff doesn’t make a difference. If you look at it in the right light, the “weird” stuff can actually make you appreciate someone more. Have patience and seek to find how that quirk makes somebody one of a kind.

It might be tough (I know it is for me) but make an effort not to judge other people. Instead, choose to love people first and then try your best to appreciate how that unique thing (or things) makes that person special.

“Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.”

Margaret Mead

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Before I conclude this somewhat comical commentary, I challenge you.

I challenge you go out and tell someone about a quirk you’ve got (you don’t have to write a blog). While it may be uncomfortable, it will be worth it, and you might even be pleasantly surprised by how people react.

I can’t help but end this blog with a quote from my all-time favorite TV show (if you don’t like the Office then get out of here).

“Pobody’s Nerfect.”

Pam Beasley

We’re each unique and special in our own ways and it’s time we love first, practice patience and learn to appreciate people for who they are. Don’t be afraid to express your true self because the people in your life who matter most will love you for who you are.

Thank you for reading!

Joe Rinaldi

IG: @joearinaldi

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