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The Art of Being Average: Finding Contentment in the Middle

January 07, 2025Workplace3050
How Does It Feel to Be Average at Everything? H

How Does It Feel to Be Average at Everything?

Have you reflected on the essence of being average? I've never personally felt as if I was only just average. If I were, however, I suspect it would have meant being an "average slut"—a term used humorously to describe someone who is competent but not exceptional. Regardless, the perception of being average can vary widely. Speaking for many, the feeling of mediocrity can be either a source of embarrassment or, paradoxically, a state of comfort.

Passenger Journeys and the Art of Being Average

We all have gone on road trips, don't we? When traveling on a bumpy, uneven road, the passenger's body posture is always on alert mode—ready to avoid the next bump and prevent a crash. On a smooth, polished road, however, we tend to relax and even enjoy the journey, taking selfies and feeling the wind in our hair. But when the road presents a mix of both… we tend to take a quick nap, giving it the least attention before waking up at our destination.

This so-called journey of our life is often perceived as an endless path, but in reality, it is much more finite. Being average can feel like you aren't living enough of it. In childhood, being a topper brings joy, while failing leads to empathy. But scoring average? Well, it's not the ideal situation, and many wish to be at the extremes of the scale.

Adulting and the Struggle of Being Average

When adulting, a high-paying job makes you stand out and receive respect. However, failure in this context can also be seen as a natural part of the process. But being average in your daily work? It's easier to ignore or dismiss your story, even if you're hustling just to keep up. This can lead to a sense of ostracization and emotional callousness.

The Thread of Being Average: A Useful Existence

Being average is like a thread. In your day-to-day life, a thread can serve various useful purposes: buttoning shirts, threading flowers, flying kites, tying food packages, knitting, and much more. However, when a thread is knotted, it is essentially useless until it is cut. In today's world, being average can be a task. It doesn’t bring you unique recognition, nor do you belong anywhere specific. You keep dangle from one side to the other, feeling the balance without fully fitting into any category.

You can experience both sides of the weighing scale but may never fully align with either extreme. This can make you feel like a bridge between different experiences, a victim between polar extremes, or simply the equator, constantly adjusting to changes. You are just N and can never be N1 or N-1. You are simply somewhere in the middle, a multiple of N.

Embracing Balance: The Law of Averages

Being average may receive little notice, but it takes tremendous courage to remain balanced and not let anyone down. It's about experiencing life's extremes in equal measure and being a channel between different worlds. Just as a pendulum swaying back and forth creates a strike, the constant oscillation between extremes can highlight the value of being in the middle. Where the sky meets the sea at the horizon, there is a beautiful sight to behold. It’s okay to take joy in the average because the law of averages will eventually work itself out.

In conclusion, embracing your average self is about finding contentment and balance amidst life's challenges. So, let's embrace the middle ground with an open heart and a smile.