how to be uncool

It’s a difficult thing, to be uncool.

At least that’s what I think as I walk through this world

Watching the hot shots and players, moving in packs.

You might think it’s harder to make it to cool,

It’s a status we all wish for, that is for sure.

But isn’t it harder to let that guard slip?

Isn’t it tougher to show your soft centre,

Your flaws and your fears?

Running in packs is easy to do,

But bounding along on your own special course,

There is danger in that and it lurks in wait.

It hides in the grasses waiting to pounce,

The moment your uncoolness opens you up

To all of the ridicule coming your way.

Better to change the stripes that you wear

To something more spotty and fierce.

You don’t want to be the next casualty

On this animal plain.

So get in your box and pretend to be cool,

The alternative choice is far less attractive,

It’s the well worn choice of every known fool.

“The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you’re uncool.”

Lester Bangs, Almost Famous

It’s like the Serengeti out there if you think about it. There are the cool kids out on the playground and they are the Cheetahs of the world. And then there are the ones like me who bound around in a world of their own. They’re not cool, but they’re having fun just being themselves.

It only takes a chink in your armour and the big cats can attack though. And they will drag you down as hard as they can because that’s how they maintain their place at the top.

You may argue that it’s really hard to become one of those cool kids, but actually it’s harder to be uncool. Because being uncool means showing all of yourself, even the really embarrassing or negative parts of yourself. There is a vulnerability in it and that takes strength.

So, you might think you want to be one of the popular kids in your workplace or church or community, but really you should be aspiring to be one of the uncool ones. That’s where the real you lies and where you will find the deepest connections with others. And that’s a wonderful place to be if you have the strength to allow yourself there.

Much Love

Rachel xx

13 thoughts on “how to be uncool”

  1. lirinacaydra

    The question is how you define coolness. Are the cool ones the one living their boring mainstream life or the ones who follow their own heart? My guess would be the latter!

    Reply

  2. Kira

    I always think you do you . Whether it’s cool or uncool . Whatever floats your boat and makes you happy then definitely follow that . Never follow the herd

    Reply

  3. Jenni - Odd Socks and Lollipops

    This is really interesting, I have never really thought about it like this before. Though I would say that I agree, being ‘uncool’ definitely sounds like the better option

    Reply

  4. sarupashah

    I am not sure I follow your uncool sentiment – I guess you are saying be yourself – don’t try and fit in…which is true!

    Reply

  5. Rhian Westbury

    Coolness is such a strange one, as what one person thinks is cool, another might not. I’ve never seen myself as typically cool but I’m okay with that x

    Reply

  6. iheartkatiecakes

    It’s so freeing when you forget about being cool, I’ve always tried to just march to the beat of my own drum. Who defines what cool is? We’re all cool in our own way and it takes the shunning of societies definition of cool to realise this!

    Katie xoxo

    Reply

  7. Rebecca Smith

    I don’t try to be cool anymore, I don’t see the point in wanting something that isn’t all that great. It can be hard to be yourself sometimes but so worth it

    Reply

  8. Nina Louise

    I love this! Sometimes it’s important to dismiss the pressures of “fitting in” all the time and just be yourself! I’m not sure I would call it “uncool” but I do think it’s better to better to be true to yourself and do your own thing rather than following the crowd!

    Reply

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