What belonging is made of

Do you sometimes feel like you don't quite fit in? Not entirely a part of the team at work, or not quite a similar type to those you meet at other activities - or perhaps not 'good enough' at practicing these? It's an interesting feeling, the 'otherness'. 

I lived with an otherness for most of my life. I believe a sense of belonging is a human need, and feeling that you don't quite fit can be disconcerting. There's a sense of not being understood (which still crops up for me) and perhaps being a bit awkward. 

One might argue that I chose this: I grew up in one country, studied in another, had my first job in a third and then landed in a fourth, where I stayed long enough to get a second nationality. Now, I'm in my fifth. Nobody sent me to either of these locations - I just chose to go. I chose to be different from most of those around me, with a different foundational culture. In truth, I've always preferred to take my own path, but I have still looked for belonging. 

Now, I'm living exactly where I want to, but the sense of inclusion I have doesn't come from the place I'

m in. It comes from doing the work to help me realise who I am and gain the confidence to be comfortable with who that is. I only started to belong when I was no longer looking for the "right" context, but realised that if I bring my quiet confidence and a lot of openness with me, I can belong wherever I am, doing whatever I'm doing. 

What's your experience of belonging and otherness?