What this is about is appreciating yourself as you were created and cleansing the shame around what can be turned into gifts. And just being human :) Of course, there's stuff for everyone that does and maybe should create shame, but we're talking about the benign stuff.
I call it flying your freak flag~ usually its the thing that makes us individuals and authentic. Its funny that trying to eliminate our flaws/eccentricities/neuroticisms make us completely unhappy and ultimately emotionally sick. Interesting that people need to make peace with their freak flaggery to have peace. Maybe this is what the shadow in Jungian psychology is about?
What are they? Check out what Urban Dictionary says about Freak Flags. (addendum: go to urbandictionary.com and then type in Freak Flag if this link doesn't work.)
Where does it come from~ hmmm... The real freak flags might come from Spirit/God/HigherPower. Think of a man that walked on water and turned water into wine! How'd ya like to fly that one? And don't ya wonder what kinds of things He got teased or put down about?
God separated night and day~ interesting that all things have a light side and a shadow side that Jung acknowledged with his concepts, funny how human belief systems don't falter from that same thought :) You have a hard time sitting still, but can run a race faster than anyone at the tracks. You didn't hear the lecture because of the tone of voice the teacher had reminded you of a tune you couldn't wait to play on the guitar at home. Track star, music virtuoso.
I'm thinking that there are also "pseudo freak flags"~ those things bestowed upon us by not-so-loved-ones or loved ones in not- so- lovable- times. Pseudo freak flags- thats a new one, you know, its one of those things you were picked on so much you grew ashamed of it and then grew up all freaked out about it and later found out that it was, in fact, a blessing.
Its a riot to me that Einstein was picked on because he didn't speak til he was 3. There are other examples, too, but one among many of mine was that I didn't adhere to proper English in school; I made up my own words. People like that who make up their own words--- its a sign of creativity. Still today, I know rules of English, but choose to ignore it in favor for my own comfort and approval.
There is a good side to everything~
People who don't take direction well are often self starters and born leaders.
Impatient folks are naturally enthusiastic and ambitious.
Slow, picky folks make sure things are right.
Question is, what can we do to make the most of ourselves? Can't do much if most of the energy is spent fighting yourself.
If it wasn't such a big deal to fly one, we wouldn't have slang for the concept (or psychotherapists). Some folks give us shame, those who are unaccepting of us. Yet, many times we're stuck with them and then its time to decide not to be defined by someone else.
This'll end up being a painting. I had an image flash in my head of a woman in a cage (caged birds don't sing) and the bars were made of all these labels and limits that other people believed she had... but the bad thing about it was that she must've believed it, too, for she remained behind the bars. Succumbing to the bars of another's creation unfortunately is the fate of many great people. Taking on the belief of someone else. Simple wisdom in deciding to not hang around with people who don't like you as you are.
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