What is normal?

Written By Troy Harris:

What is normal? Is it a widely accepted set of rules that everyone somehow seems to follow? Or maybe it's a suggested way of life for those who want to be considered "successful". Maybe it's a piss poor excuse to be complacent, lazy, and under motivated when it comes to doing what you REALLY want or should be doing. What if there was no "norm"? What if the barriers of conventional wisdom's confines were somehow banished and there was no paved road to "success"? Then, and only then, would we see how abnormal trying to be "normal" is.

In my opinion, there is no such thing as normal. Absolutely a figment of our imagination. How can we all be different, raised in different households, go through different things, think different thoughts, be influenced by different people and be expected to be the same? Is it just me, or does that sound crazy to you too? Unfortunately, though, society and I don't agree. Forcing people to judge their life potential and skills by measuring how close they come to what someone ELSE is doing isn't at all right and is actually very unnatural. We were all put on this Earth at different times, places, years, seasons etc. for a reason. (Even identical twins have been known to behave and think totally different from each other) So for us to continue to pedal the yellow brick road of conformity does nothing but limit us in the end. Why limit yourself?

I can't lie and say that I've never bought a certain pair a jeans, shoes, jewelry etc. simply because I thought it would make me look "cool". Its human nature. Unfortunately, though, society somehow has a way of taking full advantage of that innate tendency and exploiting it for their benefit at the expense of our God given talents and ambitions. You might not notice it but a lot of American ideals affect thoughts, and actions in a confining manner. Take control. Next time someone tells you you're "weird" or looks at you when you say something "off the wall", thank them and encourage them to generate something "off the wall" of their own. You can't compare apples and oranges, so don't try.