By Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D.
Date: 30 May 2000
Mistaken Zygote Syndrome
We are born the way we are, and into the odd families we came
through 1) just because (almost no one will believe this), 2) the
Self has a plan, and our pea-brains are too tiny to parse it (many
find this a hopeful idea), or 3) because of the Mistaken Zygote Syndrome
(well...yes, maybe...but what is that?).
Your family thinks you're an alien. You have feathers, they have scales.
Your idea of a good time is the forest, the wilds, the inner life, the
outer majesty. Their idea of a good time is folding towels. If this is
so for you in your family, then you are a victim of the Mistaken Zygote
Syndrome.
Your family moves slowly through time, you move like the wind; they are
loud, you are soft, or they are silent and you sing. You know because you
just know. They want proof and a three-hundred-page dissertation. Sure
enough, it's the Mistaken Zygote Syndrome.
You've never heard of that? Well see, the Zygote Fairy was flying over
your hometown one night, and all of the little zygotes in her basket
were hopping and jumping with excitement.
You were indeed destined for parents who would have understood you,
but the Zygote Fairy hit turbulence and, oops, you fell out of the
basket over the wrong house. You fell head over heels, head over
heels, right into a family that was not meant for you. Your "real"
family was three miles farther on.
That is why you fell in love with a family that wasn't yours, and
that lived three miles over. You always wished Mrs. and Mr. So-and-So
were your real parents. Chances are they were meant to be.
That is why you tap-dance down the hallways even though you come from
a family of television spores. This is why your parents are alarmed
every time you come home or call. They worry,"What will she do next?
She embarrassed us last time, God only knows what she will do now.
Ai!" They cover their eyes when they see you coming and it is not
because your light dazzles them.
All you want is love. All they want is peace.
"You'll know you've found the One when you feel like you're finally
home."
~misti velvet rainwater
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