John Lennon once said, "It's weird not to be weird." In essence, the singer-songwriter was really saying, "don't be like everyone else; be your real, true self."
No quote resonates with me more than this. At times, I can be found to be loud, or crazy, or awkward; but that is just me being me. At any given time, I can be heard belting my heart out to my favorite song, even though I am completely tone deaf. But again, that is just me being me. I am often seen falling on my face and breaking a bone or tearing some ligaments (this has happened one too many times). And guess what? That is just me being me.
So, do these traits of mine make me "weird?" Does this mean I am not "normal?"
But really, what is "normal?" Is there a set definition of what it means to be "normal?"
If you Google the definition of "normal," the first result that comes up says normal means "conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected." But this makes me wonder, "Who creates this 'normal' standard? Why isn't being awkward, loud, or a klutz a part of this ‘normal’ standard?"
For too long in my life, I have often been seen as a "weird girl." I have also been found guilty of claiming that another person is "weird" or "not normal," but in truth, we are all weird and awkward.
Being weird is good. In fact, it's better than good; it's amazing. It is what sets you apart from the rest of the crowd, what makes you your own person. Truthfully, it is boring not to be weird.
Especially in this day and age, there is an prominent fear among millennials of straying from the crowd, or being looked down upon by their peers. This fear is understandable, as that is a part of our nature. But, it is important to be your true self and not a carbon copy of others.
Being weird does not mean wearing unique clothing or things of that sort. Being weird means embracing your quirks, or not conforming to the mainstream behaviors.
I have come to realize that yes, some of my behaviors may not fit the status quo. But I don't care; I am going to continue to just be my true self. Being "normal" is boring.
And just remember: I am weird. You are weird. We are all weird.
