I strongly dislike the word. “Normal”.  Why? Because there is NO such thing as Normal. I mean, the word normal is defined as, Conforming to the standard or the common type. Think about your life. Do you really Conform? Do you?  I sure as hell hope not. What kind of life would you lead if you had to conform to someone Else’s ideals and standards? Would you be happy? Could you really be “YOU”? I know I couldn’t.

I get it though. It is hard in today’s society to NOT conform to some type of standard that society has put into place.  But Hard does not mean impossible. I realized this a few weeks ago when I was on a bike ride with my 4 year old son. Strange I know, but it will all make sense (very soon, I promise). I always preached, To thine own self be true…..(love that quote). However, what most people didn’t know was that I was always  worried what others may think about me not necessarily fitting in anywhere. But that day, that random September afternoon it dawned on me. I mean it Really dawned on me. I don’t care what people think.  I don’t “fit in” anywhere specific and I like that. I am who I am. I am happy with me. As long as I am a good person then nothing else really matters.

I think the new normal is NOT being normal. It’s standing out. It’s beating to your own drum. Following your heart, no matter what others may think. Its living each day like it could be your last. It’s being accepting of all others no matter their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. It’s being the very best YOU each day of your life. I saw all of this flash through my eyes that day. I am sure you all are wondering what is she referring too? You must be thinking she is talking crazy. I normally do talk crazy, but this time I promise I have a point! And here is the picture to prove it.

Take a serious look at this picture. He is outside, riding his bike in full Mario costume. He even goes as far as to wear the mustache and bring “little Mario” with him and places him in the handlebars. He doesn’t care what other people may think. He doesn’t care that most people would never feel comfortable wearing a full costume out in public unless it were Halloween. And even then, some may still be unsure about it. He mind is so innocent. He doesn’t know the “rules” that we all know too well that society tries to impose on us. He is just being him. Enjoying what he likes.

The story doesn’t end here. We rode our bikes to the local playground. We jumped over toadstools (rocks),  yelled phrases out in Mario & Luigi voices, tried to collect imaginary gold coins and try to save Princess Peach. People stared and stared. Then, some kids starting making fun of Landon. Saying things to their parents like, “Who would let their kid wear that out in public” and ” he looks so stupid”. The icing on the cake was, these kids parents agreed with them, right in front of us. Landon heard all of this and was quickly embarrassed. I told him, as long as you are not hurting anyone in the process, you be and do what you want. He gave me a kiss and said “Thank you Mommy, you are the best” and off we went jumping over toadstools and having a grand ole’ time not caring about what others were thinking.

So, on this day my 4 year old son taught me something that I thought I already knew. But I was wrong. I acted like I was OK with being “Not Normal” but secretly worried what others may think. Not anymore. If we all could have the innocence that I saw in Landon that day, I swear that we would all be better off. I truly believe we all could learn so much from our 4 year old selves. If only, right? If only can be right now. Just be you. Don’t ever apologize for it. Don’t worry about whose eyes are watching you. If you are happy with who you are- then be that person. Don’t conform just because you feel you will fit in. If you are not happy with who you are on the outside then you can’t be truly happy with yourself on the inside. And Happiness is Key- Life is too short & too precious to not be happy!