Magickal Happenings with Oshuyn...

Who has the authority to define 'normal'?  An interesting conversation came up this morning in my house about what normal is.  Is there really such a thing?  Everyone experiences a different reality so how does 'normal' fit in?

It's been brought to my attention that I am not a 'normal' parent when it comes to the expectations I have for my children.  Many things flooded my active mind when I was hit with that.  First thought, 'define normal and tell me how you came that definition'.  Second thought, 'good job, I'm not normal'.  Third thought, 'wait, is me not being normal good or bad'.  Forth thought, 'ok, what do you want that you know I'm gonna say no to'.  And the growing thoughts circled around and passed through and multiplied for a while. 

Seriously, who gets to define normal?  I look around my bedroom/office/sacred space and giggle.  Is this the typical bedroom/office of a 'normal' person?  My bedroom is quite large so it functions well for what I use it for.  Do normal bedrooms have a large altar and bookshelves filled with witchyness?  Does this mean I'm not normal?  Or do we get to choose what parts of our lives are or aren't normal? 

I believe we are who we are, you can't pick and choose what parts of your life you want to show to reflect your normalcy or lack of. 

My expectations are higher than 'normal' parents (so I've been told)...if normal represents status quo or the average then sure, think of them as high.  My plan is not to add another individual in this world who can't be an individual, who thinks they have to be like everyone else.  It seems that the average teenager absolutely knows who they are and what they want and that they are an individual and unique but they don't realize that that is the same exact mind set of so many around them.  I know this doesn't apply to everyone, but the normalcy of today's high school life seems to portray this.  My expectations for my children are to be happy in their skin, in their life and to have their own ideas and open mind and to become a better person than myself.  What is wrong with that?  Should that be what you expect from your child?  Is this not normal?

The mind at 15 years of youth can be confusing and difficult, but only if you let it.  It seems that girls at this age, in this day and time find answers in counseling sessions, eating disorders, misunderstood acts of 'love', bodily harm to make it 'all better' and what ever else is out there (which I'm sure would make my jaw drop).  It blows my mind that acts such as these are somewhat considered 'normal' behaviour. What happened to sitting around with your parent over a chocolate malt, hot dog and fries at the local food shack...wait, that would mess up the anorexia and we can't do that.  My Goddess times have changed!

I'm thankful that my children have a pretty good head on their shoulders and are great kids, one's that I am proud of.  And it makes me giggle that the attention is drawn to me for not being a normal parent.  Those who do not set expectations are sure to reach them, what a way to be successful!  I'm going to continue to not be a normal parent and have beautiful expectations for my children which I hope will in turn have a beautfiul influence on the world and Universe someday. 

If you can honestly define the word normal...please keep the answer a secret.