During a recent job interview, I was asked: "What do you consider your biggest weakness?" It's a question many dread, myself included. After all, how do you sum up all your flaws in just one answer? As I thought about this question, I realized that one of my most significant weaknesses is my desire for everyone to be my friend.
Growing up, I often felt left out and like I was on the outside looking in. This feeling of exclusion has stayed with me into adulthood, manifesting itself in my desire to be liked by everyone. I fear being disliked or excluded, and this fear has influenced many of my decisions.
However, as I've grown older, I've come to understand that this weakness is also one of my greatest strengths. My experiences of feeling left out have made me more empathetic towards others who may be experiencing the same thing. I passionately strive to ensure that no one feels excluded or lonely because I know firsthand how painful that can be.
This desire to make others feel included is what inspired me to create the "Annie the Porcupine" series. Through these books, I hope to spread a message of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity, teaching children the importance of accepting others and embracing differences.
So, while my desire for everyone to be my friend may be a weakness, it's also a driving force behind my empathy and compassion for others. As I continue on my journey, I'm learning to embrace this vulnerability and turn it into a strength. After all, isn't our greatest weakness often our greatest strength in disguise?
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