Unlocked Communications, LLC

Don’t be Normal- Just be you!

Jodi Mathieu - 9-21-2009

The concept of normal is well, just not normal! We all have an idea of what it means, based on influences that include: cultural, racial, educational, sexual, societal, parents and peers, etc. It is a measurement notion based on perception, interpretation and assumptions…but we all have our “normal” and sometimes we just don’t measure up.

For years I thought I was a slight anarchist, and while I still may be (am not ruling out any trouble I can stir up)…the concept I have been fighting is “normal”. This warfare has included many hours or questioning authority on rules that just don’t make sense, fairness as a given civil right, bullsh*t from talking heads (political and otherwise) and against spin as a form of truth. But, most of the fighting has been in my head…because I have so wanted the safe route of normal.

We hear all the time, “that is not normal” or “she/he is not normal”, “those clothes, colors, thoughts ___________ are not normal”. The tone of these communications, whether internal or external, can be judgmental and antagonistic… and down right hurtful. We can’t seem to define normal, but we sure can tell when something (someone) is not.

I say to hell with normal! I say who the heck are you to tell me I am not normal or "of the norm". And even if I am not, who cares… I am me! Too many hours are spent each lifetime diligently trying to copy or comply with normal. Authenticity is the way to go!

Being authentic in every single situation is incredibly hard, especially when we are not sure who we are in the first place. @ 42 years old, I am still not sure who I am at every moment…but I think I will get a whole lot closer to that answer if I don’t try to copy you or him or her. If I stand up for what I think, say what is on my mind, tell you my ideas…if I take the risk of sharing me…I at least have a chance at authentic authenticity.

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