It was brought to my attention the other day that the same attributes and personality traits that I pride myself upon having in life are the very same attributes and personality traits that are deemed unusual and/or bizarre by society’s standards. At first I was offended and a bit taken back as I felt that my character was being attacked. However, now that I’ve had a few days to reflect upon the comments that were directed toward me, I realize that the person who was suggesting my lifestyle was a bit odd was not trying to hurt my feelings. This person is a close friend who was simply providing me with an observation. An observation is that I do not live a normal life. And to be honest, that observation is 100% accurate. I do not live a normal life. And I’m incredibly fucking proud of it!

What Is Normal?

Well, I assume to the general population “normal” is considered getting up and going to work a 9-5 job, Mondays-Fridays, and having the weekends off. “Normal” might also mean settling down with a partner who you love, popping out a few kids, and growing old together. “Normal” provides you with security, stability, 2-3 weeks off a year to go on vacation, and maybe even a down payment to put towards a mortgage that will take you 25-30 years to pay off. Normal is full of Mutual Funds, RRSPs and GICs. Normal is nice. Normal is friendly. And quite honestly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with normal.

It’s just not for me……..

What Do You Value?

My parents were/are great people. And they taught me many lessons as a child. Some of those lessons I can no longer remember. Some I will never forget. And some lessons that I learned, I practice and put good use daily. My parents also installed values in me from a young age. Some good, some bad and some very odd.

The Value of Money – I was never taught to save money. Instead, I was taught to invest it. Over time, money loses value in a savings account to inflation. RRSPs and GICs are nice and somewhat predictable. But I was always taught that if you want big returns, then you need to take big risks. And to fund those big risks you have to make decent money. And to make decent money, you have to have a strong work ethic and be willing to think outside the box when necessary.

The Value of Being Independent – I never had parents that cleaned up after me, allowed me to sleep in, or skip out on my chores. It was engraved in me from a young age that one of the greatest assets a person can have is to be completely and fully independent. I was taught not to rely on others to help me and to not blame others for any of my misfortunes. Learning how to become independent was one of the greatest lessons my parents ever taught me. When you’re safety net is taken away, and there is no Plan B to fall back on, your only option is to fail or strive for success.

The Value of Learning to Be Empathetic and Understanding Towards Others – I honestly believe that being empathetic and understanding towards other people who think and/or act differently than we do, is a skill set and not something that we are born with. Putting someone down because they do not share the same views and beliefs as you do, is ignorant and petty. Judging someone because they don’t share the same values and standards as you do is callous and malicious. It takes a big person to put aside his or her credence on a particular subject, topic or lifestyle choice, and view it from a opposite viewpoint while respecting that person’s viewpoint at the same time.

Why I Like Being Weird

So no, I’m not normal. Yes, I do consume the same meals every day. No, I don’t get bored of eating those same meals every day. Yes, I do work on the weekends. No, I don’t do “Sunday Fundays”. Yes, I truly love what I do for a living. No, I do not just work to collect a paycheque. Yes, I train with weights almost every single day. No, I don’t feel I need to rest and take it easy. Yes, I like to drink my scotch. No, I don’t like to drink excessively. Yes, I enjoy my life and the choices I’ve made. No, I don’t judge or respect you any less because your ideal lifestyle is different from mine.

“Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.”
Margaret Head

Yours in Good Health,

Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance