Being Different Means Being Free: When Weirdness Gives Life Meaning

Many people live according to society’s expectations: a job, a great career, family, mortgage, therapist, Xanax, a lease on three cars – and the desperate attempt to be content with what they have. If you asked these people what they want to be “when they grow up,” many wouldn’t know how to answer. They’ve lost their dreams somewhere along the way, buried beneath layers of daily obligations and expectations. They waste their lives with a soul full of unhappiness, while their inner child, once brimming with enthusiasm and curiosity, is silenced deep within.

This life is considered normal: a job that doesn’t fulfil you, a family you care for out of duty. Week after week, caught in the endless cycle from Monday to Friday, and every Friday night spent in the pub to briefly forget. Saturday morning arrives with a hangover, Sunday with emptiness, and the cycle begins again on Monday. A beautiful house, expensive cars – never mind that you can’t afford them, as long as the neighbours think you can. This empty chase for a picture of happiness imposed upon us suffocates everything real.

Then, on the other side, we have words like “weird, strange, different, odd!” These are words that society uses to label artists of all kinds, from painters to writers. But why are they so “weird”? Is it because they refuse to give up what makes them feel alive? Or is it because they remember their childhood dreams and bring them to life every day?

Despite the hardships, tough moments, and uncertainties, they work tirelessly for what they want out of life. They firmly believe that each step, every small victory, brings them closer to their dreams. And that is their real wealth – the courage and determination to live life on their own terms, not according to the expectations of others.

So perhaps we shouldn’t see the word “weird” as something negative, but rather as a mark of authenticity. Being “weird” means being free, strong, authentic, and true to oneself, even if it means going against the tide.

We are “weird” because we love life – every detail, every small joy, every emotion. We revel in life’s tiny pleasures and face its struggles with openness and curiosity. We don’t restrict ourselves to rules that try to fit us into boxes; instead, we live “outside the box,” beyond the boundaries of what’s considered “normal.”

These are often souls, once broken, who aren’t afraid to awaken their inner child and let it cause a proper stir. These people are frequently met with labels like “strange,” “different,” “odd.” But why are they so “weird”?

Imagination and Creativity: Writers and artists tend to think “outside the box,” conjuring worlds, scenarios, and characters that don’t always align with ordinary reality. This kind of thinking can lead to behaviours or ideas that others might find unusual or eccentric. They bring such worlds to life on canvas, through music, or in the books we read or the films we watch.

Emotional Depth and Sensitivity: Creative people often connect deeply with emotions in order to express them in their work. This can make them more introspective, sensitive, or intense, which may seem peculiar to those who don’t experience emotions on such a profound level.

Unique Lifestyle: The creative process doesn’t adhere to a fixed schedule. Some artists work through the night, others create only under a full moon, and some have to climb to the top of a hill and wait for inspiration – even in the middle of the week. Many writers and artists have irregular routines, sleep patterns, or work habits. Their need for solitude, unusual working hours, or reliance on sudden inspiration sets them apart from more structured lifestyles.

Observation and Absorption: Artists have a unique talent for seeing things that others might miss. They can spend hours observing life and human behaviour, examining meanings and details. To others, they may seem “lost in their own world,” but the truth is, they’re more present in the world – both real and imagined – than most.

Rebellion Against Norms: Creative people don’t always conform to typical social rules and often challenge them. They create their own rules and aren’t afraid to push the boundaries of what’s “acceptable.” This can cause a stir, and people often see them as eccentric or peculiar.

Intellectual Curiosity: Artists are constantly seeking something new – they frequently explore subjects in depth, even those that might be uncomfortable, strange, or taboo. They aren’t afraid to delve into the mysteries of life, death, pain, or joy and analyse them, bringing them into the open in their rawest form. To others, this curiosity may appear odd if they’re exploring obscure topics or expressing things most people keep private.

Expressing Inner Worlds Outwardly: Artists share their innermost experiences publicly and aren’t afraid to express raw emotions in an unfiltered way. A painter might capture sorrow or joy so intensely that it moves the viewers to tears. For some, this openness can feel like a bit much.

But it’s precisely because of this “weirdness” that artists can create thought-provoking and deeply personal work that resonates with people on a different level – it reaches deep and stays in their hearts. Yes, they may come across as eccentric or unpredictable, but through their authenticity, they manage to touch those willing to dive into their world.

So perhaps being “weird” isn’t such a bad thing. Maybe it’s a gift – a gift of seeing the world differently and helping others see it from fresh perspectives. Because being “normal” might mean forgetting your dreams. Being “weird” means living them every day.

We have the choice to decide whether we want to be seen as “normal” by society or be true to ourselves. My mum always used to say, “Don’t mind what others think; they won’t pay for your bread.” It’s so true! We often try to impress people who don’t even matter – instead, we should impress ourselves. Why not strive to live by our dreams and find ourselves along the way? To pursue what fills us with passion, even if it means labels, sweat and tears, but with the knowledge that we’re on the right path.

I’m proud to be “different” and “weird” – and you should be too. What matters is happiness because life is simply too short for sadness!

-by Anna Rajmon