Most of us are average people doing average things in an average life.
Oddly, most of us enjoy being average. We’re programmed to “fit in”. Finding acceptance and approval makes us feel loved. Marketers are aware that most people will do what most other people are doing. That’s what makes advertising so powerful. The “mass-market” in most cases, is you.
“Average” doesn’t sound as bad in statistics as it does in living. Who wants to live a mediocre life? Who wants to blend into the wallpaper?
There are certain areas of your life where you are not average, where you don’t “fit in”. You might enjoy a daily routine that includes yoga. Not everyone does that. Perhaps you drink and collect whiskeys from around the world. Cigar aficionados aren’t average. Today, if you read books, you’re part of a shrinking middle. If you’re a firewoman, a surgeon, or a greenskeeper, you’re on the edges.
There are times in your life you’re going to have to make an unpopular choice. The choice that is right for you but contrary to what everyone else is making. The tough choice. It will possibly mean you’re rejected, scoffed at, and made to feel embarrassed. Sacrifices will be needed. It’s during our childhood that many of these decisions are made. Sticking to the choice once made doesn’t get easier over time. But you become more resilient, and your resolve strengthens over time, helping you through.
I was raised in a Christian home by Christian parents who taught me what it was to be a Christian. I was Christened as a baby in my Mom’s arms, my Dad at her side, in front of our church congregants. We went to church, religiously. We prayed as a family and on our own, on our knees. We read from the Bible as a family and on our own. We discussed Bible stories and the sermon we had heard. We went to Sunday school and Catechism and got confirmed as members of our church. Church functions were a highlight for us as a family.
When I was 7 years old, a friend and I played club soccer. We would go to practice twice a week after school and played our games on Saturday mornings. A year or so before, I’d been gravely ill with Rheumatic Fever and couldn’t exert myself. So, the coach put me as the goalie, a position I loved. My friend and I practised every day, playing on the field across from our house. From not able to walk a year before, being able to play football was my greatest joy.
One day at practice, the coach asked us to vote who wants to play our games on Saturday morning or Sunday morning. All the kids shouted out, “Sundays!” My heart sank. He asked who wanted games on Saturdays. Only my hand was up. That was the end of my club football. I didn’t ask my parents if I could miss church to play soccer. I didn’t need to. Sundays we went to church as a family.
The unpopular choice feels a little awkward and embarrassing. But as a good friend always says: Have the tough conversations upfront. Once the choice is made, everyone is on the same page, and we can move on. Being unpopular because of something you believe in, isn’t always going to be easy, know that.
Do what is right, with your hand on your heart, and embrace the unpopular choice.
Have an awesome weekend and please be generous! 😄
As always, thanks for reading 🙏
