In this world we live in, there are certain expectations. Rules, guidelines that determine the kind of person you will become. Who will you be? The answer to that is simple. To most people on earth, you will be a face and a name- nothing more. To those who truly get to know you, you will be more than that. You will be ordinary, or you will be extraordinary. We are each a part of this enormous system that encompasses billions of people, lives intertwining each day, and one decision to be made.

Will you be ordinary, or will you be extraordinary?

Dictionary.com defines ordinary as: of no special quality or interest; commonplace; unexceptional.

Dictinoary.com has it wrong. Various other dictionaries have many definitions for what “ordinary” means, but none possess the true meaning of the word. An ordinary person is only ordinary within the broad, general population. It does not make you below average or talentless or normal. An ordinary person is relatable; and each individual has defining characteristics that make them who they are.

I am ordinary.

But this word does not define me; I define it, in new ways every day. Ordinary in the crowd, unique in my own way; I give pieces of myself-- my heart-- to others. I can do this because I am approachable. Everybody needs an ordinary person, and I am the epitome. All of the qualities that can be used to describe me, are distinct-- but not uncommon. Ordinary. I used to think that meant that I am average, which I now realize is untrue. I am not average. I work hard, rise to each occasion, and most importantly being ordinary gives me the ability to touch the lives of others. Extraordinary people do extraordinary things, but will never be able to see the world the way I do. They leave their mark on the world in a different way. They accomplish the unusual or impossible, which is incredible. And while those people are working for the world, I truly believe that it is just as important-- if not more-- to be working for the people.

Keeper of secrets, listener, friend. I admire the seemingly impossible, amazing things that extraordinary people are able to do and respect them immensely but I accomplish the possible. And that can be even harder because of the strength it takes to meet the expectations of ordinary, everyday life. I live in the moment and try to be the best version of myself that I possibly can be. That is something that I have learned to embrace as a positive because no matter how hard I work I will never be extraordinary.

I am ordinary.

I will be me and I will be extraordinarily ordinary.