The Myth of Normal: Unmasking the Illusion

Let that sit for a moment.

We live in a world obsessed with normal. The word is woven into our language, our expectations, our systems. People are constantly striving to be “normal,” to fit in, to not rock the boat. But let’s pull back the curtain: normal doesn’t exist. It’s a shapeshifting mirage, defined by shifting societal standards, culture, and time. What was considered normal 50 years ago? Not the same today. What’s considered normal in one country? Completely different in another.

And yet, we chase it. Why? Because normal feels safe. It’s predictable. It comes with a promise—if you can just act like everyone else, you’ll be accepted, you’ll belong.

But here’s the cost: masking.

Masking is the art of hiding who you are—your quirks, your struggles, your neurodivergent wiring—in order to appear “normal.” For many neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other invisible conditions, masking is second nature. It’s smiling when overwhelmed, pretending to follow when your mind is racing, suppressing stims or tics, over-preparing for social interactions, mimicking “acceptable” behavior.

It’s survival. But it’s exhausting.

And the scariest part? It’s invisible. People don’t see the mask, they see the performance. They see the “normal.” And they assume everything is fine. Behind the mask, though, is often burnout, anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of loneliness.

So when someone appears “perfectly normal,” don’t assume ease or simplicity. It may be you’re looking at a master of disguise—someone who’s spent years becoming an expert at blending in, often at great personal cost.

What if we stopped chasing normal and started embracing authentic?

Imagine a world where authenticity wasn’t punished but celebrated. Where quirks aren’t weird but wonderful. Where people don’t have to mask to survive, but can unmask to thrive.

Inclusion isn’t about inviting people to the table and asking them to behave. It’s about letting them bring their full selves, unfiltered and unmasked. That’s where true innovation, connection, and growth happen.

Let’s question the idea of normal. Let’s challenge it. Let’s dismantle it.

Because once we stop chasing an illusion, we can finally start building a reality where everyone belongs.

#UnmaskingTruths #Neurodiversity #AuthenticityOverNormalcy #MentalHealthAwareness #ADHD #Inclusion #Masking #DiversityAndBelonging #BreakingTheMold #TheADHDVoice #kamlawilliams #diversityincluded