It's time to kick normal to the curb.
By Jesse Oakley — Written on Jul 26, 2019
There’s one descriptor in life that I’m not a big fan of: when people use the word ‘normal.’ It’s not that I’m against it or something, I just think it’s a dumb word. While there are some things you could call normal, like breathing or eating (to a point), the fact is no one is normal.
What’s even the basis for ‘normal?’ Who decided that having x trait and y hobby made you the ideal model for what everyone else should be? And why should everybody be like that? I really think that the whole concept of being ‘normal’ is a bunch of garbage.
No one is normal. We’re all a little weird and we’re all a little off-kilter.
We’ve all got quirks about us and things we do that make people tilt their head at us. Maybe your favorite sandwich is peanut butter and bananas. Or the way you relax is by hang gliding. Maybe you’re favorite animal is a platypus. Okay, who can blame you on that last one? Those things are pretty cool.
No matter what it is, there’s at least one thing about every single one of you that makes you different from the rest. And you know what? THAT’S OKAY! Own that thing that makes others call you weird! Be proud of it, because that’s who you are! There are whole cities that promote weirdness (ever hear the phrase “Keep Portland Weird?”)!
Don’t ever let someone tell you to be normal. And if they do say it, ask them this- what’s so great about being normal? Do you enjoy being uniform and boring like the rest? While normal doesn’t really exist, the illusion of normal does. People have weird within them, but they’re just too afraid to show it off. It’s something that’s instilled in us as we grow up. Act like the rest, meet the status quo.
BOOOORRRRIIINNGGGGG! Seriously, who wants to do that? You’ll always be happier being true to yourself rather than being what someone wants you to be. So let that freak flag fly, and, if you’re one of those people still on the fence, or maybe you need a confidence boost, here are some weird quotes from some other weird people who agree with me.
1. I’m not the only one that thinks no one is normal.
“I think everybody's weird. We should all celebrate our individuality and not be embarrassed or ashamed of it.” –Johnny Depp
2. Don’t let yourself be left out.
“There's a whole category of people who miss out by not allowing themselves to be weird enough.” –Alain De Botton
3. It’s a better way to live.
“I'd rather be a little weird than all boring.” –Rebecca McKinsey
4. Normalcy really is the minority.
“It's weird not to be weird.” –John Lennon
5. Be your best weird self.
“Sharpen your rough edges and be the best version of your weird self.” –Colin Wright
6. It helps you to be creative too.
“I’m thankful for weird people out there ‘cause they’re some of the most creative people.” –Channing Tatum
7. Don’t be ashamed about your weirdness.
“Every weird thing about you is beautiful and makes life interesting.” –Kesha
8. Keep it spicy.
“Being weird adds spice to life. Having weird friends just deepens the flavor.” –Jayelle Cochran
9. Own it.
“I like being weird. Weird's all I've got. That, and my sweet style.” –Leo Valdez
10. Knowing what’s weird.
“I used to think anyone doing anything weird was weird. Now I know that it is the people that call others weird that are weird.” –Paul McCartney
11. It can even get you to the top.
“You have to be odd to be number one.” –Dr. Seuss
12. Be a pro.
“When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” –Hunter S. Thompson
13. It can make you truly special.
“Being weird is not a bad thing, it shows how special you are in your own way.” –D. Fetahu
14. Be awesome.
“Being weird is just a side effect of being awesome.” –Unknown
15. The world always needs a little weird.
“Be the weird you want to see in the world.” –Wein Benlick
16. Keep it weird.
“Stay weird, stay different.” –Graham Moore
17. Who knows, you might find your soulmate.
“We're all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness and call it love ' true love.” –Dr. Seuss
18. From one of the kings of weird.
“Where's your will to be weird?” –Jim Morrison
19. Don’t be one of the herd.
“So you're a little weird? Work it! A little different? Own it! Better to be a nerd than one of the herd!” –Mandy Hale
20. Embrace it.
“Embrace your weirdness!” –Cara Delevingne
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Jesse Oakley is writer who writes about love, relationships, self-care and spirituality/astrology.