Normal and Me? We Stopped Living Together Years Ago

When Normal Falls Apart: Embracing Life’s Unpredictable Path

Normal and I parted ways a while ago. The idea of a predictable, “normal” life path crumbled somewhere between career shifts, relocations, and personal upheavals. My story isn’t unique in that regard; we all reach those points where life’s unexpected twists make us question everything we once assumed. But what happens when you realize that “normal” just doesn’t fit anymore?

For me, the shift began when my first business, which I’d poured my heart into, took a nosedive after the 2008 financial crisis. By 2010, we had to close its doors and stared down an uncertain future. In a year, I closed a business and moved cities, navigating a painful separation, and rethinking what I wanted from life. Those few years felt like chaos on top of more chaos, and I was in survival mode for a while (Alright, maybe a decade). The concept of a “normal” life felt distant—if not downright impossible.

And yet, through the haze of one setback after another, I discovered something surprising: maybe I didn’t need to chase normal. In fact, maybe normal wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

Redefining Normal After Loss

After my first business closed, I faced the next big hurdle: the job market. I tried the employee route, but quickly realized I’m not wired to follow someone else’s lead. Starting from scratch to build a new business wasn’t easy, and, looking back, I laugh at how much more resourcefulness I had than actual resources. But somehow, each challenge taught me to trust my own path (although most days I questioned it). I didn’t need to match anyone else’s pace or follow a particular model. My life became a mix of resilience, creativity, and a determination to keep going, no matter how many times I fell down (and I fell down a lot).

The biggest test came when I faced unimaginable loss. Losing my daughter Maddie was a heartbreak that reshaped my world entirely. If there was any “normal” left in my life, it was obliterated. That kind of pain shifts everything. My priorities, sense of purpose, and even the things I value changed.

Embracing Life Outside the Lines

Today, my life is far from what most people might consider “normal.” But I’m okay with that. I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictable path I’m on. My new normal is a blend of chaos and calm, the ups and downs of running a business, the pride I feel watching my boys create their own paths, and the incredible support of a partner who brings softness to the rough days.

I’ve realized that living outside the lines doesn’t make life any less meaningful; it actually adds depth. Each setback, every unpredictable turn, has taught me resilience. My normal now? It’s unique to me—a life that’s a little lopsided, a bit unpolished, and full of purpose.

If you feel out of place or wonder where “normal” went, know that it’s okay to build your own version of normal. Sometimes, stepping off the standard path is where we find the truest parts of ourselves. Life may not look how we expected, but maybe that’s where the real beauty lies.

So here’s to those living outside the lines—you’re not alone. Besides, I’ve come to believe that normal is overrated.