The Power of Normalizing: Embracing the Human Experience

Normalizing is our ability to state that something is okay, natural, or part of the human experience. It's a simple concept, but it holds immense power. Here's why you should care about something as simple as normalizing...

Normalizing has the ability to de-shame, decrease perfectionism, increase resiliency, and improve relationships. We spend a lot of time getting frustrated or feeling a lack of control when our expectations don't meet reality. The reality is, life is full of ups and downs, messy moments, and a wide range of emotions.

How often have you heard "You're okay" being said to someone who is upset? Too often we are uncomfortable sitting in the mess of life and we want to rush past it. This creates an experience in our brains that says what we are feeling or experiencing is not normal. Think about your brain being repeatedly told that what's going on for you isn't normal. It's life-altering over time.

Saying and feeling like the normal parts of being human aren't normal adds up to a whole lot of anxiety, stress, and discomfort in your own skin.

Normalizing has the power to shift our inner thought patterns and build resilience because life can be tough, and that is a normal part of everyone's experience. When your inner dialogue shifts from "I shouldn't be feeling this way" or "I should have done better" to "This is a normal part of being human" and "I didn't do my best and that happens sometimes," then you will feel freedom and room to grow. The former thoughts lead to shame and feeling stuck, the latter lead to a more grounded and realistic you.

Normalizing still allows space for accountability because when you can sit with your discomfort, you can move through it rather than deny it.

I urge you to practice normalizing in your own mind by gently shifting from unrealistic and shameful thoughts. I urge you to practice normalizing in your relationships next time something goes wrong. Your understanding could lead to repair rather than conflict. I urge you to model normalizing for your kids. Doing this will increase their confidence in themselves and how they feel.

By embracing the normal, we can create a stronger, more compassionate world for ourselves and others.