Maddy Leigh

It’s quite interesting thinking about the difference between these two. My classmates and I were talking about it in class. 

What defines being ‘normal’? 

Society has set unrealistic expectations. There is this prenotion that in order to be normal, it is almost as if you need to be this perfect human being to all of those around you. But then, what defines perfect?! Not making mistakes? Not being a pest to your friends? Not having any mental or physical difficulties or disabilities?  

It all is under the norms of society. Society is what defines ‘normal.’ But the thing is, normal is not reality. At least, not this normal. 

The reality is, that we all make mistakes. We all are annoying at times. Many individuals all over the world struggle with mental or physical health problems.  The reality is that we are all very different from each other. Reality is being your own person, and not who others see you as. Reality is acting based on your feelings and desires. 

Yet, when a person is doing so, they are outcasted. That’s what happened with the character in our novel. It’s the idea that someone has the courage to make a change, take a risk, and start being who they really feel they are: it scares some people. They shun you for it. Whether it’s because they fear the change themselves, or they are envious that someone else has the ability to make this change in life, but they cannot make a change themselves. 

In the end, you must decide what’s more important to you: fitting in with society and being ‘normal’, according to those in society, or being who you truly are. 

To me, learning about this inspired me. It reminded me why I am here, doing what I am doing. Why I am taking risks, knowing failure is a possibility. However, I know that even after my worst failures, I have transformed and the sun rose again. 

I am living this life for myself. Trying every day to be the truest version of myself. I’ll be honest though, there are days I may slip into some of the expectations of society. At times I will act in certain ways because I think it’s what I should do or what my peers want from me. Yet, is it really what I want? The thing is, I’ve noticed these days are the days I feel the most unlike me, ironically. The days I feel the sadness creep in and when insecurities of mine reappear. But, on the days that I am doing things that I love? Things I desire? Things that bring me joy? I feel as if I am on cloud 9.

Imagine if you put as much effort into yourself as you did everyone else in your life. You deserve that.