What is normal?

In talking with friends over the weekend, we discussed the behavior of a relative who has been participating in a lifestyle that is extremely self-destructive. When we thought about what caused this type of lifestyle for this relative and we came to the conclusion that the relative thought that it was a normal way to behave. This person had grown up around this behavior and it appears that it is very comfortable to this person to feel security in a very dysfunctional lifestyle.

It got me to reflect on my life and what perhaps I might feel is "normal" that other people might not think is so normal. I wonder if you have ever done this before? Have we examined our lives and identified any habits or patterns of thinking that we casually pass off as "everybody does it" when in fact it is only we who exhibit this behavior or pattern of thinking when we take a critical look at our lives.

Are we too negative? Are we too sarcastic? Do we look at situations with a condemning eye or do we justify bad behavior as "that's just the way it is"?

We could be locked into behavioral patterns that might not be destructive but could they be holding us back from achieving greater balance and peace in lives?

In his first blog for May, Mike McKinney identifies some great Leadership books for 2009. You should take a look on Mike's blog.

I would like to emphasize how important it is for all of us to be mindful of the swine flu virus that is making its way across the States. If you or anyone in your family is sick please stay and take care of this so that none of us spreads any type of sickness.

Until next time,

Jerry de Gier