Normal Undefined

Normal. We have all heard and used that word before, haven’t we? But what, exactly, is normal? It is a term defined by what is common in society. In the rawest form, it means conforming to the usual. In case, you are missing the point, normal has no definition outside of conforming to the wishes of society. Technically, normal is undefined.

If normal is undefined, how then do we measure what is abnormal? Given the dictionary definition of normal, it’s safe to say that abnormality stems from the non conformation to the common beliefs and actions of a society. Huh, guess that means that technically, abnormal is also undefined.

Based on the definitions - or lack thereof - how can someone deem themselves capable of deciding who and what is normal? People oftentimes take what they deem as abnormal and claim that it is wrong. They fear that which is not common and chastise it, bullying people into the ground because of it. Whether it is religious beliefs, political standpoints, gender, race, ethnicity, or sexuality (to name only a few), everyone feels that their belief is “normal” and true. Here’s the reality: your belief is your belief and congratulations for having it, but it’s not the only truth out there. Your belief stems from your moral code, which is actually affected by the society and environment surrounding you. From a psychological standpoint, morals change through personal development. If they change and do not remain stagnant, then it’s pretty tough to say that your way is the best and only way, isn’t it?

I’m rambling, I get that, but I get so frustrated when I’m told that I or something I’m doing is considered abnormal. Whether it comes down to the woman I love, our future marriage (yup, I said the M word), my chosen career goals, or the fact that I don’t fit into any typical stereotype, people always judge. I can’t stop the judgment, but I am tired of a society that feels it is okay to berate people because they don’t fit into a neat little box. I think outside the box. In fact, I think so outside the box that the box actually ceases to exist.

We grow up in a world where “normal” is deemed right, when in actuality it just means that you are giving into the whim of a society. Break that down and you get something that is common...the usual...lacking originality. I’m proud to be original. I’m proud to walk my own path. Who I am, what I believe in, and what I stand for is my truth. My truth is mine, your truth is yours. Harmony comes when we all live our own truths and quit shoving them into the mouths of others.

Just my thoughts.