Do we really want things to be “normal”? Do we want to live in a world where everyone does the exact same things? Do we want everything to stay the same? I know I don’t. So why do we think that being normal is a good thing?
Most likely, it’s because predictability makes us feel safe. We are comforted by knowing how people will react in certain situations. Our brains crave certainty—they love to anticipate what’s ahead. It’s hard to override this instinct and not judge others who are different from us. This is human nature. Our minds are wired to keep us safe.
We all want to be part of something. We want to be loved and cared for. We don’t want to be excluded from the pack, so we try to fit in. We assume that what benefits the group is what’s “normal.” But who decides what is normal?
If I asked one hundred people to describe a “normal” life or day, would I get the same answer from each of them? I doubt it—especially when it comes to a normal day. The responses would likely be one hundred different versions. For a “normal life,” we might find common themes: strong relationships, love, helping others, health, and success.
At the core, we all strive for similar things. The end goals are often the same, but the processes to achieve them differ. Each of us is shaped by unique experiences, so our paths naturally vary. Even life partners might share the same goals but take different routes to get there. Imagine two people traveling on the same road but stopping at different points along the way.
There is no universal norm. What seems “normal” to one person might be entirely different for another. People might engage in similar actions or dress alike, but their internal perceptions and experiences are unique. Outward appearances can be deceiving.
So why not embrace who we are? Why worry about being “normal”? After all, no one truly is.
Take care.