Aiming to have a normal life may sound trivial, but it's actually a complex concept. What is considered normal for one person may not necessarily be normal for another, especially in a different culture or society. At the same time, the notion of normality itself is constantly changing. To have a normal life, you have to decide what you consider normal. for some people, normal is enjoying their individuality and uniqueness, while for others, normal requires routine and structure. Find what you consider normal, and create a daily routine that is right for you.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Finding out the Meaning of Normal
Step 1. Accept yourself as you are
It takes a lot of effort to change who you are. Therefore, you must first understand who you are. Society consists of many individuals who have different personality types and traits. Decide what you feel is normal. Does normal mean violating the character or nature of society, or obeying strict rules in society? To be able to define the meaning of normality, ask yourself:
- Do you feel very comfortable following orders and maintaining rigid social structures?
- Do you enjoy the freedom of figuring things out on your own?
- Are you very happy when everyone around you seems to agree with what you do?
- Do you prefer to experiment with a new lifestyle with other people out of the ordinary?
Step 2. Think about what the local community considers normal
Even though you are an individual, you still live in the midst of society, be it neighborhood, community, or region. Each society has a unique set of norms and values that define the idea of normality. Think about how the customs and social institutions in your society support the idea of normality. This will help express your own identity through interactions with other people.
For example, you live in a place that is socially acceptable for people to speak quickly and rather rudely. On the other hand, in other places, this kind of behavior will give you the stamp of society's trash. Being aware of these conditions will help in shaping your public image
Step 3. Seek spiritual and emotional balance
Everyone experiences emotional ups and downs. Be prepared for this, and learn how to handle it during difficult times. For example, if you are in a heated discussion about personal beliefs, you should know what creates a normal and appropriate response. Recognize that reacting aggressively indicates a deeper problem that you need to address.
A better feeling of well-being will arise when you live your life according to your own beliefs and feelings, instead of letting others dictate what should be appropriate or normal for you
Step 4. Face the traumatic event that is holding you back
If you've had a traumatic experience at some point in your life, it's normal to feel isolated or different in some way. Trauma can have a permanent effect on your body's chemistry, which can permanently affect the way you see yourself and your environment. Even if you may not see yourself as a normal person, connecting with others who have experienced the trauma can help you realize that you can move from the event to a normal life. Look for a trauma support group near you. These kinds of experiences can be a great source of courage and strength if you can incorporate their influence into your life, rather than avoiding them altogether.
Once you've established a comfortable routine or rhythm, you can start experimenting with normal emotions. This will help you express your deepest and least touchable emotions
Part 2 of 2: Creating a Routine to Build Normal
Step 1. Create a daily routine
Start slowly building a daily routine that you may already have. Routines can help build normalcy and self-discipline. You can become more competent and able to overcome obstacles that may arise. For example, you can form the habit of getting up at a consistent time, or making your own breakfast every morning. This may seem trivial, but it can create a sense of personal rhythm or normalcy in your life.
- Avoid too many and too soon building habits that can prevent you from growing by keeping you bound to repetitive behavior patterns.
- Finding a daily routine or pattern of behavior that's right for you can reduce stress and give you the confidence to experiment with self-expression.
Step 2. Learn
Education connects you with people, ideas, and sources of information that you otherwise would not otherwise have access to. There are many levels of education available in schools or universities. Find out what seems to match the sense of normalcy you're trying to instill in yourself. If not, go against the grain by glancing at a vocational school, or doing an internship in an area that interests you. Don't limit your own sense of normalcy to someone else's.
Although the number of graduates from high school or college is more, now more and more graduates are not well prepared to work in fields according to their college majors
Step 3. Find a job that drives your passion
You have to work to be able to take care of yourself. You should also put together an appropriate plan as you may also have dependents. Avoid choosing a job based solely on popularity, which doesn't necessarily make you happy. Instead, ask yourself what kind of people or environment you want to be around every day. If your job doesn't seem to fit your character and you don't think you'll be happy, it's best to find another job that allows you to be yourself.
People who are generally happy at work are often those who derive pleasure from daily interactions with their coworkers
Step 4. Work on building meaningful relationships
Getting married may seem normal to some, but not to everyone. Instead, try to develop meaningful relationships with people from different social groups. Getting to know many different types of people can help you find people you truly connect with.
Regardless of the type of group you interact with, you need support from those around you. This is important so that you can feel a sense of normality in everyday life
Step 5. Take care of the animals
Caring for an animal that needs your daily love and care in many ways can create a sense of normalcy. Caring for animals can help you establish a daily routine and give you more enjoyment in your daily activities. Studies also show that pet owners tend to be healthier and happier than those who aren't. If you're not ready for a long-term relationship or having children, having a pet can help your transition to building more meaningful relationships with other people.
Keep in mind that you should choose a pet that fits your activity space and daily schedule. If you don't have enough time or space, caring for an animal can increase your stress and give you a heart attack in the long run
Step 6. Go on an excursion
As strange as this may sound, opening up to lots of people, customs, and cultures can make you feel more normal than you would just compare yourself to the people in your city. Traveling can show how big and diverse the world is. The more you travel, the more you'll see how many people all over the world have in common. You will also realize that differences are part of every culture.
Avoid using sightseeing as a form of escape. Instead, go on trips to learn more about yourself, other people, and what you enjoy
Tips
- Help others whenever you can. Making yourself useful to others can help you maintain a value in life.
- Even eccentric or great people usually need a daily routine in order to achieve their goals.
- Being 'normal' is not the same as being 'happy'.
