Even Though We Are Different

Written By Rebecca McGranahan

One day, I was walking my dog. I live in a heavily populated beach town and my apt is in what most would consider a “rough” part of town. On this particular day, while my dog did her business, I looked up and saw a woman walking towards me. As she got closer, I couldn’t help but notice her many body tattoos, facial piercings, muscular build and the way she carried herself with such confidence in such a bad area. I must admit my heart quickened a little when she reached me, looked me directly in the eye and in the sweetest tone said “Hi. I love your dog!” She began petting my mutt, knelt down and my dog ran to her, licking her face. She looked at me, smiled and said “hi I’m Lynn.” That was 7 years ago and since that day, she has been my very best friend.

How many times have we overlooked someone based on what we “thought” we knew about

them at first glance? We have all judged someone based on appearance. There is a primal

reason for that. It allows us to assess a situation for danger and keeps us alive. I am referring to making a decision about befriending, dating or just deciding to discount someone because they look “different” than us. Maybe they are a different color, practice a different religion, have different interests, dress differently or look different compared to ourselves. I always wonder how many good friends or even significant others I have overlooked because I was scared that either they would reject me because they thought the same thing about me, that we would have nothing in common or even that they wouldn’t be accepted by my friends, family or other people in my life?

Through our 7 year friendship, Lynn has proven herself over and over to be a positive part of my life. We have a great friendship, I am close to her family and through our different

backgrounds I have learned twice as much as I would from someone who was just like me.

Every day, I thank God that Lynn came into my life and I thank Lynn for giving “me” a chance that day even though we were different.

Rebecca McGranahan

Associate Blog Writer

Certified Holistic Lifestyle Advocate