A friend of mine often says, “you can call me what you want as long as it’s not boring.”

I completely agree.

As a creative, to be accused of being boring, or “beige” as I like to refer to it, is the ultimate insult. Beige is comfortable, unassuming, inoffensive. Beige is safe.

Kids, teens, and unfortunately some adults are frightened to set themselves apart. We all want to fit in, find our place, and belong. Being something other than beige takes courage. You have to ignore the naysayers and be prepared to fall flat on your face. Then get up and give it another shot.

But fear is the fire blanket that smothers the flame. Our desire to explore and break free from the mould, our willingness to investigate new ideas, navigate unchartered territories, and listen to opinions that are not our own are where growth occurs.

I don’t think anyone sets out to be boring. We are fine tuned to achieve the title of “normal”, whatever form that takes. But being normal denies our inner quirks. It is our insights and perspective that makes us original and this is where magic happens.

We recently made-over our 12 year old son’s bedroom as a surprise birthday gift. I chose to paint his room black. My decision was met with plenty of negativity, “Are you sure?” “It’s going to be awfully dark.” “Do you think a child about to enter his teen years should be in such a depressing room?” I ignored the pessimists and the gamble paid off. The room looks amazing and my son loves it. Had it not turned out, what’s the worst thing that could have happened? I would have repainted it. No surprise to me, the appeal of a black bedroom is now filtering through his peer group.

Although that is a very literal example of avoiding beige, it confirmed to me that it’s not just wall colours I take risks with. Stepping outside my comfort zone is where all the things I’d like to associate myself with live. The antitheses of beige: enthusiasm, passion, obsession, devotion, emotion, excellence, inspiration, thoughtfulness, gratitude, curiosity.

Ultimately, to be interesting, you have to be interested and then you need to be willing to do something about it.

So, go paint a wall or perhaps the town red?

About Kylie Orr, Kylie Orr

Kylie-OrrHer dream of becoming a back up dancer for Janet Jackson was quashed by a distinct lack of talent, forcing Kylie Orr into a day job of writing. She has four children and one husband to fuel her inspiration.

After eight years writing for Essential Baby, Kylie was keen to broaden into genres outside parenting. She found the murky waters and the swell of rejection in this cut-throat freelance writing business overwhelming. But 2015 is her year. She’s determined she will be successful, she will conquer the writing world and make enough money to eat more than 2 minute noodles.