How Do We Define What is ‘Normal’?

As the youngest of four, it felt like I would barely go a few days without someone saying to me “Act your age”. Some people would even say, “Act your age not your shoe size.” Or “Could you be normal for five minutes?”

For the past few months, I have heard this word ‘normal’ tossed around a lot. I am in network marketing, so I am on social media sometimes more than perhaps is healthy. I am selective about what I read or to whom I follow. Even at work people talk about “when things get back to normal”.

I often need to bite my tongue since my mother-in-law gave me an Erma Bombeck book that talked about “Normal is just a setting on your dryer”. (If you haven’t read her writings, get a copy.)

So far in the blog, I have written about perceptions that influence how we define such things as beauty and the meanings we give to words based on our culture and world view.

I can attest to the fact that it would not be normal for me, as old as I am, to have what is called a temper tantrum. Society has taught we need to always remain calm and use our words with grace and charm.

Now, what went through your mind as you read that last paragraph? Do you agree? Or did you just come home after driving on the freeway and have someone ride your bumper because you were going the ’acceptable speed’ above the speed limit, and they want to push you off because they want to go faster. When you finally moved over and gave them room, did they glare at you because you were following the law? Isn’t it strange that this is now almost considered a normal event on the way home during rush hour?

Or did you reach for the last sale item in the store just as someone else did and you both stand there trying to decide who ‘deserves’ to get it?

I do know that ‘at my age’, for me to lay on the floor in Superstore and cry because they are out of my favorite ice cream is not considered a ‘normal’ or appropriate response.

When I’m with my grandchildren and they get upset, my kiddos have suggested that we use the following phrase: “Use your words to tell me what is happening that has upset you?” I marvel at the way this often works and through the tears and sobs the words are spoken. I marvel because you know what? When I get upset, I don’t always know the words to use.

I resign myself to say that I am not sure I can properly define what is ‘normal’ and it sounds a little boring to me. I prefer to think like Vincent Van Gogh, “Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”

I resign myself to say that I am not sure I can properly define what is ‘normal’ and it sounds a little boring to me. I prefer to think like Vincent Van Gogh when he said,

Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.

Vincent Van Gogh

Now, where’s the beauty in that?

Until next time, this is me…helping you…Spark Yr Beauty!