What do we mean when we say EXTRAORDINARY? The online definition is: beyond what is usual, ordinary, regular, or established; exceptional in character, amount, extent, degree, etc.; noteworthy, remarkable.
What about ORDINARY? It means: of no special quality or interest; commonplace, unexceptional; plain or undistinguished.
So why would we want to seek the extraordinary in the ordinary? First, I believe we all feel we are normal, common, typical – nothing special. Sometimes we dwell on this perceived fact more than we ought to. But really, we should feel unique, exceptional, and remarkable. Not to say that we should be arrogant thinking we're the most incredible, beautiful or handsome, exceptionally talented, or most brilliant character around. In essence, we are all a work in progress. We can all learn something new each day; help someone along the way; say something to brighten a day. Life is a journey, not a destination.
Life, as we all know, can be like a pool of water. Some of us can swim and usually pull ourselves out of the pond, but others don't know how to swim. They never participated in lessons, didn't live around water, or could not visit the pool in the summer because of fear. I had such a friend, Margorie. She was afraid of the water. One day her husband decided he wanted to learn how to scuba dive to travel to Cozumel and other well-known diving locations. She was determined to accompany him, so she enrolled in swimming lessons as well as scuba lessons. Now she enjoys diving with her husband. This story illustrates my friend's extraordinary attitude to overcome an obstacle that haunted her for so long.
When you come upon obstacles in your life which you think are impossible to deal with or overcome, remember my friend, Marjorie, who tackled her fear and persevered. She will tell you she is stubborn, but I know the persistence it took to overcome that challenge.
Don't be a never person. Never can find you in a very lonely place. I have learned from experience that never can and will come back and bite you.
Extraordinary can be: amazing, bizarre, curious, rare, incredible, unique, weird, marvelous, surprising, and unprecedented. Now, how easy would that be for you and me to try? My daughters already think I'm weird! My transient childhood, I believe, categorizes me as unique. Be unpredictable - Surprise your neighbor with a batch of freshly baked cookies or sweet bread. That's what we mean by extraordinary. I know you are an extraordinary person.
My best to everyone! Julie