All of us have something about us that would be considered an oddness out in the vastness of average humanity. Whatever average is. I'm tall, but there is a long list of other things used to categorize, pigeon hole, or otherwise classify us as human beings. You could be short, freckled, large, gay, or any other of us who stand out as more on the edges than in the middle of the "normal curve." If you're not rich and famous and able to capitalize on the attention, let's face it, it sucks. Until you look at it in a new way.
Oddness vs. Normal
Humans have an almost neurotic tendency to want to classify things. I suppose it's their need to find order in an otherwise not-so-orderly world. But it has led to habitually scanning our surroundings for anything out of the ordinary. Other than average. Odd. So the quick result is either you're "normal" or you're something else. If you're in the latter category, that's often the kind of attention you don't want. I cannot count the number of times I wished I was shorter so the attention would GO AWAY. What's forgotten is that there is no line of demarcation between the two, but rather a huge area of gradation from one extreme to the other. But hey, I never said I wanted to be short, I want to be normal. Average. Until I changed my perspective.
What's Going On Here?
Unless you believe that we, as humans, were all molded from a ball of mud last week, you have to acknowledge the reality of evolution as part of the world we live in. From beginnings we only vaguely understand, nature has experimented and toyed with the process of our development, patiently observing results and tweaking the process. And here we are, in all our variety. And very different from our roots. Along the way, there were experiments that proved less than ideal. Those characteristics faded or disappeared. Other, all of which are represented in humanity today, have so far passed the test. How do I know? Because all of us "odd ones" are here. Simple, huh?
Stops on the Journey
Since it's clear that we, human beings, are still in process of getting to some distant destination, it's equally clear that one of two things is true about those of us who are, in whatever way, the odd ones.
If we're the basis of what in the future will be the norm, then we're the pioneers. The early adopters, if you will, of what everyone else doesn't know yet is going to be very cool. The trendsetters. (Insert slightly catty grin here.)
If we're found by nature to be possessing characteristics that are not the most effective for this existence, then we are not only unique and soon to be rare or extinct, we have offered up ourselves for the benefit of continual human adaptation. You're welcome, humanity, you're welcome!
Time For Re-Frame
So, take a look in the mirror. Imagine whichever truth you choose. Realize that we are all a part of the great human experiment. And start to appreciate your role, your oddness, and yourself, in a whole new way!
Collage Photo Credit: Hernan Gonzalez
Spice Photo Credit: Laszlo Ilyes
