What's So Great About Being Normal?

Everybody wants to fit in. Be accepted.

Nobody wants to feel like an outsider.

But I look at the world today and where it was when I was a child, and I have to wonder if we’re wanting the right things.

If everybody who is considered “normal” and acceptable, is tired because they are running from here to there and don’t get enough rest during the day, or sleep at night…do I really want to be normal?

If everyone is feeling anxious and stressed from all of their responsibilities and has stressed and anxious children from the burdens placed on their shoulders to excel in school, relationships, and sports…do I really want to be normal? Do I want my kids to be normal?

If it’s normal to let your children have their own computer in their room where you can’t monitor it, have a cell phone where you don’t monitor it, have a boyfriend or girlfriend where they go who knows where and do who knows what for who knows how long…do I want that for my children?

If it’s normal to have weekly “girls night” outings, guys night out get togethers, and many other social situations and occasions for my life or my spouse’s life – but yet we lose connection with our children…is that really “great?” Is it beneficial for my family’s life?

I could go on and on. And a lot of these things I have desired for myself or my children at one point or another. But when I look at what they are doing to the family unit and to our children as they grow up – my answer to each question would be a resounding “NO.” I don’t want that.

I don’t want to be normal if it means I’m tired, anxious, unhealthy, unhappy, overwhelmed, and pushed to perform to maintain a certain standard or image. And I certainly don’t want that for my husband or children either.

I think “normal” is overrated. By a lot. When people say “normal,” what they really mean is “fit the mold.” Don’t stand out. Don’t be different. Because they don’t know how to handle someone who is different. And sometimes they don’t like the reflection they see when you are different! It makes them feel guilty, or uncomfortable with their own choices.

People are so diverse. So unique and wonderful in their uniqueness. When did we stop letting them be unique and wanting everyone to be the same?

We all sit around in circles and talk about the path society is going down and how we don’t like it. Yet in our own homes and lives, we still do everything we can to fit in and not be left out of what is “in.” We let ourselves be pressured to go to all the events and functions and even help out. And in the process our home life is suffering. WE are suffering. Our children are suffering.

“Normal” isn’t so great. Make a vow to change at least 1 thing in your life today for the betterment of your family and see how it ripples down to affect each one of you in a positive way. Whether that’s to drop a commitment, change a rule, or get more sleep and rest.

Let’s create a new normal. A better normal for our families.

We can want what’s better for the rest of the world, but we can MAKE something better with our own.