To Be Misunderstood

I often find solace and guidance in the wise words of others. I recently came across this quote that really hit me. “Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

I've never felt like I have the ability to concisely say what I feel inside. Lately...okay not lately but my entire life...I've been misunderstood. I've always been quirky and eccentric. I was often rejected by peers because I dressed differently, had different beliefs, and several other reasons. As I've grown up, morphed into a better person, changed my beliefs and world view I still find myself misunderstood. Perhaps it's in my nature to intentionally be different. I've never been comfortable blending in. I like being unique. But being misunderstood can often cause conflicts that I don't enjoy. People sometimes treat me like dirt because of my beliefs or the way I dress. Sometimes my beliefs challenge other people to question their own, which they don't usually respond to positively. The way my own personal philosophy influences how I do my job and live my life tends to upset some people. I don't know if it's because they're irritated because I'm doing a better job, because I'm happier, because they think I have ulterior motives, or because I'm just a horrible person and am completely oblivious to it. I'll probably never really know.