I’ll admit it - I was triggered by a meme that had nothing to do with me. The phrase?
“You’re nothing special.”
I’ve heard this, or a version of this, all my life. I used to grin and bear it, saying it kept me humble. Snide comments to “keep my feet on the ground.” Dismissal of accomplishments. Or simply, ignored.
You’re nothing special.
I wonder if my extracurriculars are considered self indulgent. If others think I'm delusional, even though I know I’m not that good. Trophies dismissed as "participation medals" even in the face of competition.
You think I don’t hear the dismissal? The catty comments? The snark?
I heard it when I graduated from college. Best in Show in an art competition. ArtPrize. Skating. Running. Any time I stick my neck out, I could hear the knife being sharpened, someone eager to cut me down to size.
You’re nothing special.
I know. You think I don’t? But maybe, just maybe, with every attempt to stretch my limits, push past my comfort zone, there’s a little moment of special that erases your negativity.
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