Tanner, But With One "n"

Since I forgot to provide an overall introduction before my last post, here it goes…

My name is Taner, with one “n”, and this is my blog where I think out loud. I am a 22-year-old creative eager to make the world more vibrant. My opinions are my own, although they are subject to change as the way I view the world around me evolves. I am a Lumbee Indian man from Robeson County, and other than Christmas, Lumbee Homecoming is probably my favorite holiday. Growing up I really struggled to “know myself” because it seemed like I had everyone telling me who I should be, rather than letting me decide for myself.

For starters, I grew up with the impression that I was “different” because I was one of few boys in rural North Carolina that couldn't care less about sports or hunting. I preferred to spend my time doing things that didn’t necessarily have limits. I liked running around outside trying to make something out of random materials I would find. I enjoyed refilling the planters on our front porch with plants in the spring and watching them thrive. Hell, I once designed my elementary school yearbook with cobalt blue zebra print. In ways, I guess I am a little different.

“Being different isn’t a bad thing. It means you’re brave enough to be yourself.” – Luna Lovegood

While I am no Harry Potter fan, Luna Lovegood really spoke to me with that quote. Embracing myself has not been easy, and I am still working on it to be honest. As I continue to work on myself and think out loud, join me, I promise to make it fun!