“If I had to live my life again, I’d make the same mistakes, only sooner.” T Bankhead

I saw this quotation floating around the web yesterday and it really struck a chord of pride in me. For if anyone has made multiple mistakes in her youth, it would be I. After college I tossed myself headfirst into many different career paths because I figured if there was any time to be broke and figuring out life, my early twenties would be it. The funny thing about it this was, even though I was quick to make bold career decisions, I was constantly second-guessing myself in my personal life. I realize now that while finding my career path, most of my twenties was spent trying to adjust my personality to make sure that everyone around me was comfortable with who I was.

But of course, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now in my early thirties I am happy to wave my personal freak flag high. I suspect most of this ease comes from having friendships and relationships that have endured many different stages of life. My best friends and family have been there for me through my artsy-museum phase, my screw-the-9 to 5-world-I’m-gonna-be-a-personal-trainer phase, and through my I-love-sales-and-all-things-green phase. Now I’m a culmination of all of these, but none such choices matter to those who truly love me through and through.

The icing on the cake is having a husband who basically thinks the sun rises and sets on my disheveled hair, my very dorky habit of laughing in my sleep, and my tendency to oversalt his food. When you surround yourself with people who love you unconditionally, you can have an uncool career path, say ridiculous things at the wrong time, walk around with crusty morning mouth, and still be the apple of their eye. To celebrate this wonderful sentiment in my life, I bring you a short list of freak flags that I proudly wave for you, lovely readers. May this urge you to wave your own flags high in assurance that those who already adore you will only cherish you more, and that those yet to come into your life will only find you faster.

Your Healthiest Life: Freak Flaggery aside, I think it’s important to keep in mind that living green and doing your best to be healthy is not going to be a straight path. Sometimes my living habits contradict themselves so much, it seems pointless to even try, but I keep going anyway. Just the intent to eat better and demand safer products around your household can lead to huge leaps in your quality of life. Just keep at it.

QUESTION: What ridiculous/bizarro/silly/embarrassing qualities do you possess that make you one of a kind?