The battle of weird vs. normal

People are weird.  I admit it, even as a person who truly enjoys talking to and understanding different types of people, it is clear to me that there is no such thing as "normal."  It's funny how much time and energy is spent on trying to BE normal though, when the reality of it is that there is no such thing.  Because we are all weird in our own ways though, and since we tend to connect with people who have similar values, ideas, etc., we end up creating our own normal within our circles of friends & family.  You want to see an example of this played out in real life?  Just watch one episode of Wife Swap and you will clearly see what I mean.

Where the battle of weird vs. normal is so subjective and every person on the planet has their own idea of what each of those words means, why is it that as a rule, acceptance is so hard for people to grasp?  For some, the wisdom of acceptance comes with age, for others with experience...  And then, I am pretty sure there are those who will just never understand.

Unfortunately, I have been the victim of poor judgement many a time in my life and career.  Sometimes it is difficult to see past a person's physical appearance or unique personality traits to see what valuable assets are hiding in there.  Many of the volunteer leaders that I work with would tell you that this is a topic that I love to discuss.  In general, volunteers are a unique breed of human being anyhow... and I mean that in the BEST sort of way of couse, but just like everywhere else, there are some that just can't help but wear a trench coat at the most inopportune time.  (If any of you are out there reading, admit it... you love it when I come up with these things, right?)

See my problem is that I love people.  I can't help but find something positive in every interaction, it is just a natural part of who I am.  p.s. It is also part of what makes ME a weirdo, but that's ok.  The way I see it, every single person out there is carrying a golden nugget of sorts.  You know, that one thing about them that makes them special or unique.  Sometimes they carry it in places where it is easy to see, like confidence or beauty, and other times you have to really go digging to find it.  None the less, I promise you, it is there.  If we don't force ourselves to look deeper into our daily interactions for the "more" that exists, then we are merely living on the surface and are missing out on countless opportunities for more.

Emerson said, "Every man I meet is my superior in some way.  In that I learn of him."  I love this saying.  One, because it is so true.. and two, because it provides a different perspective on how to view those around you.  When we take the time to look for the deeper value in those around us, we will learn more about ourselves and as a result grow as a stronger more accepting community of weirdos... Oops, I meant people!

Here is another favorite image of mine for you to enjoy.  Not exactly on topic, but I am sure you can make the connection without too much trouble.