Do you remember a time
when you considered
yourself normal
or have you
ALWAYS felt as though
you were just outside
the inner circle?
Your normal has never been normal.
Maybe this
brings you pride.
Maybe this
brings you sorrow.
Maybe this is why
you don’t see yourself
like anyone else.
Realizing this,
do you still want things
to return to normal?
Or just everything but you?
Now that nothing is normal,
YOU are considered normal.
Despite what you tell your self,
you never wanted that.
You are finally inside the circle.
Weird people are a dime a dozen these days.
Newfound Lake,
11/28
Contemplating Normality and Exclusion
The notion of being outside the inner circle, especially in the context of a ‘mad house’ where the average is redefined, touches upon the deep-seated human experience of feeling different or excluded. The idea that one’s normal has never aligned with the societal standard is a poignant reflection of individuality and the sense of otherness it can bring.
The Shifting Perception of Normal
In a world where normalcy is constantly redefined, the feeling of being just outside the perceived ‘normal’ circle is familiar to many. This feeling can bring a mix of emotions: pride in one’s uniqueness, sorrow from the sense of exclusion, or confusion about one’s identity and place in the world.
The Desire for Normality
The question of whether one desires a return to normalcy, especially in a world that has turned upside down, challenges our perceptions of what we truly seek. Is it a return to the collective sense of normal, or is it a desire for everything but ourselves to conform to a standard?
Redefining Normal in a Changed World
In a scenario where nothing is normal, the very definition of what constitutes normality shifts. Those who once felt outside the inner circle may find themselves suddenly within it, as the parameters of what is considered ‘normal’ expand or blur.
The Commonality of Being Different
In this new paradigm, where ‘weird’ becomes commonplace, there’s a curious twist: the uniqueness that once set us apart is now a shared trait among many. The once-exclusive inner circle becomes more inclusive, reflecting the diversity and complexity of human experiences.
Reflection on Individuality and Acceptance
This shift leads to a reflection on the value of individuality and the human desire for acceptance. Being inside the circle, once a yearning for many, may lose its allure when the circle itself loses its exclusivity and definitive boundaries.
The Irony of Normality and Exclusivity
The irony lies in the realization that in a world where everyone is ‘weird,’ the concept of being outside the inner circle loses its meaning. The once clear demarcation between normal and abnormal, insider and outsider, becomes ambiguous, challenging our understanding of these concepts.
Summary
The experience of feeling outside the inner circle, particularly in a context where ‘normal’ is redefined, brings a complex mix of emotions and raises questions about individuality and the desire for normality. In a world where everything has changed, the once-coveted position inside the circle may lose its significance, as the lines between normal and abnormal blur.
Glossarium
- Perception of Normality: The subjective understanding of what is considered normal in society.
- Feeling of Exclusion: The emotional experience of feeling outside the accepted norm or inner circle.
- Redefinition of Normal: The changing standards of what is considered normal in a dynamic world.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the dance of life, we often stand,
On the edge of circles, in the land.
Seeking a place, where we belong,
In a world where right blurs with wrong.
The lines of normal, ever so thin,
Where does the outside end, the inside begin?
In this journey, we find our stride,
In our uniqueness, we take pride.
We welcome thoughts on the experience of feeling outside the normal and how this perception shapes our understanding of individuality and acceptance.
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