We as a people have an internal desire to belong. We want to find people who think, feel and act like us. And yes, we still want to be unique, but there's something about finding someone who thinks like you do that almost validates your existence.
For a lot of people, especially people with "fringe" interests, you might not find that for a long time. You go about your everyday, pretending to be someone or something that isn't actually you. You put on your work face, your work clothes. You go to work, with other work people. You go home. You sleep. You do it again in the morning. You're just another average Joe, living an average life.
But once you get home, you can finally shed those drab layers and be who you really, truly are. You maybe take a long run and feel free. You might tend to your garden, literally tasting the fruits of your labor. You play some video games. You feel like you belong, but only in your space.
That moment when you've been idly chatting with someone you met at a farmer's market when you get to discussing the merits and challenges of growing a specific type of tomato over another kind. Or maybe you're talking with someone about how to tie your shoes during a run to get the most out of it. Or you find people who play the same games as you, and you trade tips on how to play a character.
That moment. That's what everyone needs.
It's like an epiphany, really. It's looking around and seeing people who do what you do and realizing, "My god. I have found my people." It's almost like a swelling in your chest, a sense of pride that you truly and honestly belong right now. And you might cry. You might rejoice internally. You might weep when you leave. And you'll do it again, too.
I had this experience just this past week, actually. I found my people at a charity gaming marathon. People who play games, and play them fast. I found people that I had only spoken to online, and now I have a face to put to the name. I found more people like me, people who accepted that I did probably the single nerdiest thing in the existence of nerdery. And my god, did I love it.
To you, my reader, I implore you to find your people. Even the most niche of interests has a group of niche people. Trust me, no one should go through their life being just another average Joe. Everyone should live their life to its fullest, and actively seek out their people. If that means flying hundreds of miles to a convention or just reaching out to a stranger, it is truly worth it to try.
