Saturday night, after volunteering at my sister-in-law’s Irish Dance Benefit, Chris and I met Julie and Mel out at Bier Market. There, I saw my junior high best friend. I was SO excited to see her. She was less than excited to see me. She was cold and distant. She seemed to want to get away from me as soon as possible and it REALLY hurt my feelings. You would have thought I had spread some evil rumor about her that ruined her reputation (i didn’t!) from the way she treated me.
I have never had the best self confidence. School was HARD for me. I realize that there are a lot of people who had it much harder than I did. But when you are 12 years old, it seems like no one could possibly have it worse than you. I was awkward- with glasses, braces and curly hair that I had no idea to manage. I prefered theatre to sports and spent hours reading. I spent grade school recess sitting on the edge of the playground by myself and didn’t find out until after high school that a group of the ‘popular’ girls had given me a truly nasty nickname. It was petty. Petty, stupid and child-ish. And I would be lying if I told you it didn’t still sting a little to this very day.
My 8th grade graduation.
Things turned around for me in college. I grew into my body, learned to handle my curly hair and gained the confidence I needed to find the friends that would stand by me through thick and thin. I am thankful every day for these ladies…
People I meet as an adult often find all this hard to believe. They think I seem like the cheerleader type. Homecoming queen or Little Miss Popularity It makes me laugh. But, Saturday night, at that bar, I was taken back to a place of self-doubt. I was made to question who I was and what I had become. The person who had been the very best friend to me through the most awkward years of my life was suddenly too uncomfortable around me to even chat a moment and catch up. It may have been petty, and it probably shouldn’t have bothered me, but it hurt.
As I think back on it today, with new clarity, I realize that the person I was does not get to define who I am. I am a talented, beautiful woman. I have AMAZING FRIENDS and a HANDSOME HUSBAND who love me for who I am. I will not be torn down by this.
I am pretty, not petty.
Finding the Time 
I think those of us that grew up with some self-doubt become stronger adults that understand the power of kindness to all walks of life. You aren’t the one missing out here, it’s your old “friend”. I, for one, know how fabulous you are! Miss you, friend!
Hi Sara, just had a chance to check out your site! First off, cool that you created a blog to share what is on your mind. Secondly, as another guest mentioned- the struggles and experiences that one encounters in childhood- often become ones stepping stones for a higher more purposeful, grounded, and driven adulthood.
** I tell my 11 year old all the time that the barriers that life may present now- are truly only a moment in time and actually hold no bearing toward future success, relations, and self-confidence. Let your light shine is what I tell her and just so you know- my daughter has super curly hair- I want it! 🙂 🙂 Enjoy your day and your reflection on the lady you are today!