“People like what they like. They’re gonna do what they’re gonna do.”

John Hodgman

Ah, the delightful garden of human quirks and peculiarities. It’s a landscape dotted with the vibrant colors of individuality—each quirk a unique bloom, contributing to the fragrant bouquet that is life. Let’s wander through this garden, shall we? A place where burnt popcorn and bag culture flourish—where every peculiarity is a petal, a hue in the vibrant spectrum of humanity.

Picture this: a cozy evening, the aroma of popcorn wafting through the air. But wait, there’s a twist! The scent of smoky, charred kernels mingles with the buttery goodness. That’s right, I love burnt popcorn. It’s a little culinary rebellion, a gastronomic adventure where each burnt kernel is a treasure, a crunchy nugget of unconventional delight. It’s not just about the taste—it’s about savoring the unconventional, finding joy in the unexpected. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most peculiar preferences can be the most satisfying.

Now, let’s journey into the world of my dear friend Jared. A realm where bags are not just accessories, but canvases of expression. Backpacks, fanny packs, handbags—each one is a story, a piece of art adorned with patches that speak of adventures and aspirations. Jared’s passion for bags is a vibrant bloom in the garden of individuality, a testament to the beauty of personal expression. Each bag is a chapter, each patch a leaf on the unique plant that is his life. It’s not just about collecting—it’s about cultivating, about nurturing a narrative of uniqueness and creativity.

And in the galaxy of quirks, how can we forget my brother-in-law Jim—the Jedi of Star Wars fandom? For Jim, Star Wars is more than a cinematic masterpiece—it’s a community, a shared love that transcends the screen. He crafts authentic, film-quality costumes, bringing the magic of the galaxy far, far away to life. But it’s not just about the costumes—it’s about the connections, the shared joy, the sense of belonging. Jim’s love for Star Wars has blossomed into a tribe, a community of like-minded enthusiasts who celebrate the weird, the wonderful, the whimsical. It’s a reminder that our quirks can be the bridge to our tribes, the pathway to finding our people.

In this vibrant garden of life, every quirk is a bloom—every peculiarity a burst of color in the landscape of our shared existence. They remind us that it’s our differences that make us extraordinary, that finding joy in the unconventional is a celebration of our unique essence. There’s more than one way to be human, and it’s not about conforming—it’s about flourishing in our individuality, about being unapologetically, unequivocally ourselves.

So, here’s to the burnt popcorn lovers, the bag enthusiasts, the Star Wars devotees. Let’s cherish the diversity of blooms, the array of colors in our human garden. After all, in this flourishing landscape of existence, every bloom is vital, and every quirk is a vibrant petal in the bouquet of being human.

Stephen Boudreau serves as VP of Brand and Community at Virtuous Software. For over two decades, he has helped nonprofits leverage the digital space to grow their impact. To that end, Stephen co-founded RaiseDonors, a platform that provides nonprofits with technology and experiences that remove barriers to successful online fundraising. He is an avid (but aging) soccer player, audiobook enthusiast, and the heavily-disputed UNO champion of his household.

Copyright ©2023 Stephen Boudreau.