Being ME is risky -- that's why I've struggled in the past to really do what feels right to ME.  Sometimes I've managed - going on a mission trip, doing foster care, going back to college, having a big family, homeschool -- but going deeper, doing more, dreaming, walking it out, thinking for myself -- these are tough.  I like people.  I am a people person.  I am very social.  I love my family - immediate and extended.  I love my friends.  I love my church.  But, I've lost ME in them all.  So, I'm taking a risk.  I'm emerging from the cacoon I've hidden in.  I am becoming my own person, with my own beliefs, my own desires, my own attitudes, my own actions.  I am becoming the ME I've longed to be, but haven't been because of fear.  Fear that the ones I love will not love me, or agree with me, or think I'm great, or whatever.  The truth is, it can't matter anymore.  This will probably happen, and that's OK.  I am not like any homeschooler I know, deep down inside, but I have portrayed myself to be.  I am not like any other christian I know, but I have portrayed myself to be.  I am not like any other parent I know, but I have portrayed myself to be.  I am not like any other family member I know, but I have portrayed myself to be.  I am ME.  I am UNIQUE.  I am SMART.  I am GIFTED.  I am DIFFERENT.  My new butterfly wings are shaky but they are pretty and they will carry me high and far!!