Theme for October 8 - “Sometimes I feel like a nut…”
Oct 7th, 2009 by peterv
“Sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I don’t…” While it’s true that I stole this line from a commercial for the Almond Joy and Mounds chocolate bars, it’s a perfect intro to this week’s theme.
Fellow NightVisioners, this week’s theme is being “normal”. What does that mean anyway… “normal”? Socially, “normal” is often (if not out loud) associated with good and proper, and with fitting in. Mathematically, there is something called the “normal curve”. In medicine, “normal” is often thought of in contrast with “abnormal” or requiring a cure. In psychology, “normal” is seen as something to aim for, and “special” is seen as something else.
I find it fascinating that these words have come to be used in this way. How is normality measured, and who is qualified to measure it impartially? How did it become better to be normal than to be special, and whatever happened to aiming for extraordinary meaning outside the normal range? And most importantly, who among us wants to be (merely) normal?
So this week’s theme is also about being abnormal, special, different, unique, creative, thinking outside the box, stepping outside our safety zone, and breaking the mold. Has anyone ever told you “Why can’t you just be normal?” Well tell us what you were doing at the time, and in what ways you are not just normal! Has anyone ever said to you in a derogative voice “That guy/girl is nuts!” Well then tell us what nutty things you have done, or like to do, or want to do! Has anyone ever asked you “What’s wrong with you? Why can’t you just be like everyone else?” Well you’re not like everyone else, and this is your chance to prove it!
Come on, NightVisioners — this is your chance to be the nut you’ve always wanted to be! 
See you in the meeting!
Cheers,
Peter