So I’ve been thinking a lot about my post from yesterday. And I just want to add a few remarks. Because describing “normal” can’t be done in just a few paragraphs. And even after I finish this current post, I will probably still have more to say. Because being “normal” to others is practically impossible. But being “normal” is easy when it comes to knowing yourself or a loved one. So listen up.

I want to say it’s ok to have “normal” steps for your days. Like step 1) wake up. Step 2) get ready for work. So on and so forth. That is completely understandable. We all need steps to get through our days otherwise our lives would be complete chaos. And I know sometimes that our lives seem like chaos anyways, but it’s the things going on around our lives that are often chaotic. Things that are separate from our daily steps. I also know that our steps for everyday can be different because somedays there is grocery shopping and other days there is soccer practice. But once you work out a step the way it fits for you, then go ahead and mix and match. But never try to make your steps to match someone else’s because it seems “normal”. Yes, sometimes it’ll work but often enough you have to tweak someone else’s “normal” way of doing something just a bit to make it work for you. Because making your life easier is much more important than making sure someone sees you are “normal”. That is 100% not worth it.

Like I said in my last post, there is no cookie cutter for “normal”. The things you do can not be normal to everyone. And as long as it’s not illegal or harmful, that’s totally ok. As long as you can get from point A to point B with as much ease and happiness as possible, that’s ok. Some people like to wear makeup to work, and other people find that weird. It’s just work. Who are you trying to impress? Other people don’t like to wear makeup to work, and other people find that “not normal”. Why wouldn’t you take any opportunity to dress to impress or make yourself feel beautiful? Sure one of those 2 options will take you longer to get ready, but who cares? Is it really ruining your day because your room mate put on makeup before leaving the house? Unless it made you late for something, I highly doubt it. So don’t think it’s “not normal” because someone does something differently than you because “normal” is a personal preference. Not a standard. And unless you are talking about a set in stone routine, “normal” is just a figment of our imagination.

Nothing about me is “normal”. I have one leg. A bag that collects my poop hanging off my belly (I’ve been meaning to get it reversed). A shark bite on my arm. I use a walker at the ripe old age of 26. And there is still things I have not listed that don’t make me “normal” to those who are on my front porch looking in. But do you know how many people have called me “inspiring” or “amazing” because I am not “normal”? Dozens and dozens. And I’m proud of these people because chances are, they are not “normal” either. Not by a long shot. Which is fantastic because they seem to see the beauty in different or not “normal”. They appreciate perspective and innovation. They don’t care how you get from Point A to Point B as long as you show up. And showing up and being there in the moment is much more important than the fact that Sally didn’t wear make up to that work function. But you spent so much time focused on what you thought wasn’t “normal” that you missed her amazing story. Was it worth it?

So I want to thank you all for overlooking the “not normal” and embracing my “new normal”. For coming up to me at my work, in the grocery store, or at a restaurant to tell me how much you like this page. For realizing “not normal” people are just as relatable as the people who you think belong in the “normal” box. For never overlooking my story because I came to the party missing a limb. It might be “normal” to stare because I look different, but who wants to just be “normal”? You’re not a routine or 12 step process. You’re a person. You all have something about you that isn’t “normal”. But that something is probably a big part of who you are so please don’t hide it. Hiding it doesn’t make you any more “normal”. It just makes you hurt or feel lonely inside. And trust me when I say life is too short to be just “normal”. Just be you. The NOT “normal” you. And when you finally look up days, weeks, or even years later, you’ll still find people in your corner. These are your not “normal” people. Keep them. Cherish them. And know they’re not “normal” either.

#TheOneLeggedMommy #Normal #NotNormal #NecrotizingFasciitis #AmpStrong #Amputee #MomOfThree #Happiness