What even is 'Normal'?!
What do we define as normal?
I’d rather not hear the answers to that question, because I’m sure there are many. I’m sure everyone reading this article can define normal actions, normal beliefs and normal behaviour. And I’m even more certain that everybody’s answers will differ, by a little or maybe even by a lot.
So that’s not the question I’d like answered, for I don’t think something so subjective can ever be agreed upon. On the contrary, I’d like to introduce another question which may sound paraphrased, but is in fact completely different.
“What is meant by ‘normal’?”
While the first question may address an activity, a choice or a thought that may display normalcy, the second question is directed at the very meaning of normal. And perhaps for further insight into our understanding of all things acceptable or ‘normal’ , the second question is the one we should be asking.
Fitting in
Normalcy is nothing but a perception that we wish to enforce upon ourselves, which means ‘fitting in’.
Fitting into what? Fitting into society, fitting into standards set for us by others and fitting into expectations. Basically making alterations to ourselves to fit the next normal. Now, what do I mean by the next normal? I mean to imply that there is no one normal. Normal is just an ever-changing standard to which everyone tries to adjust. The funny thing is, it’s a completely blind chase. Because who even is setting this impossible standard of normalcy? Ironically the ones who dare to be different are inspirational for many, and these people are the ones off of whom we derive the meaning of normal.
I think everyone has experienced a time where all they wanted was to not be the odd one out. But normalcy is not what you want. Being accepted by others is a disappointing objective to set for yourself, because to adjust to their expectations of normalcy, you’ll have to sideline yours.
Create your own normal, even if its not normal
The word most frequently used as the opposite of normal is weird, which most people do not want to be.
But if we are using the word weird as an antonym for normal then may I just add that being weird makes all the difference. Not adjusting to or fitting into a hypocritical word such as ‘normal’ which has unreasonable expectations attached to it, will grant you the freedom to explore your own preferences. After all normalcy can only be a perception that changes from person to person.
To create your own normal requires you to stand out. The longer you sustain, the more you drive yourself to be different, the more people will start adapting to and understanding your normal. They may not apply it, but the ones who dare are always appreciated by the ones who don’t.
After all, the human race is so messed up that no one gets to decide what normal is, so why try? To set yourself apart is the best way to not become slaves of anyone else’s beliefs, ideas, expectations and definitions of normalcy.
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