Every so often I encounter the word “normal” in a context that baffles me.
Yesterday I read about an amazing Paralympic athlete who “used to be normal” before an accident caused a spinal cord injury. So now, I suppose he’s, what–abnormal?
I wrote these thoughts in November, 2011.
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Before our latest ride I did my annual physical, including lab tests on various fluids and functions. When we discussed the results the doctor handed me several papers. Each item listed my results and a range that’s considered “normal.”
I’m fortunate—aside from the whole paralysis thing I’m quite healthy. In all important categories on the page my numbers were normal.
Meaning … what?
In medical terms it’s obvious. People within the normal range tend to be healthier and less at risk for developing specific issues.
So normal means acceptable, okay, nothing to worry about.
I think we do the same thing in life. We probably haven’t developed scientific criteria. We don’t like to admit it. But we’ve all learned a comfort zone, a range of behaviors and characteristics in others that feels safe and secure.
The question isn’t whether we possess those filters. The question is what we do with them.
Sadly, we tend to label folks within our personal comfort zone as “normal.” They’re similar to us, it’s easy to hang out with them. We can relax and be ourselves. There’s nothing to worry about.
And what about those outside the zone, those with whom we feel uneasy or awkward?
During the ride we met a lot of people who feel like they’re on the outside looking in. They’re folks with physical, psychological, or mental challenges. They’re poor or homeless; they haven’t overcome some past trauma or personal failure. They’re certain that, for one reason or perhaps many reasons, they don’t fit.
They’re not acceptable. They’re not…normal.
I’m guilty. Like everyone else I gravitate toward those with whom I feel at ease. And if I’m not aware I begin to draw invisible lines that isolate others. Those lines create categories and labels.
I wish I could see each person as a unique individual with gifts and talents and problems. I don’t want to decide who’s okay and who’s not. Regrettably, I fail too often to conform behavior and belief.
But awareness is the first step toward change, and Rich’s Ride reminded me of this essential reality:
There ain’t no such thing as normal.
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