Yes, You’re Normal

Posted by on November 6, 2014

My last couple blogs were on the high cost of perfectionism and my message that although we have room to grow and develop, we are perfect as we are right now.  As is.

These ideas are worth revisiting because when I think about my clients, they are all really asking me the same question: “Am I normal?”  They make statements such as: “I’m having trouble prioritizing; I feel adrift with my career; my spouse and I have ups and downs; I’m overwhelmed with everything I have to do.”  Are these issues normal?  Of course they are!  (And then we work together on getting to a healthier and more self-accepting place.)

None of us truly know what’s going on inside other people’s minds, hearts and homes.  We are often reluctant to be vulnerable and share our struggles – to look less than perfect.  So we end up feeling isolated, thinking that everyone else has it together except for us, when the opposite is actually true.

Vulnerability is the key to connection.  I encourage you to share with the people you love and trust.  There’s nothing here to solve or fix; just share and listen.  You will deepen those relationships and receive acceptance – and, probably without ever knowing it, you will help your loved ones to see that they are normal.  The struggles we face are shared ones, if only we would let other people know.

Where do you wonder if you are “normal?”  Who might you share your struggles with?  How can you listen with an open heart to a loved one?

Remember, not only are you normal, you are perfect right at this moment.  As is.