I yam what I yam

Ever feel like you just can't get it right? Yeah, me too. Even better for me ... I've had help.

I've always been a little different from the other kids; I have my own drum, thank you very much. I'm not ashamed of it, but it'll definitely mess with your head from time to time, especially when someone starts chirping in your ear that different is wrong.

Recently, I realized just how much damage I'd let someone in a position of power, someone who presented herself as a mentor, damage my sense of self.

Yes, I can be a little rough around the edges. I'm a straight shooter. I prefer to deal with things head on. I've learned a softer touch and a bit of diplomacy, but I'm still opinionated and I still tell it like it is. If I'm wrong, I take it back and do what I can to make it right.

Here's the big secret: There's nothing wrong with that -- or me.

I've learned a valuable lesson. The next time someone offers to help me "grow," I'll be much more likely to question whether their so-called improvements are to help me be a better me or just more like them.

So the next time you start to question yourself or have a little bird in your ear, remember, my fellow percussionists, what Popeye says, "I yam what I yam." And take it from me, that's all you need to be.