In our current culture that promotes hustle at the expense of time, yet is filled with stress and consumerism, here is what normal life looks like – especially for those who may need the reminder.
This post is not meant to judge those who do life differently and that be their normal, or those who simply don’t align with these particular things, but instead to remind those who (still) gravitate towards or fall under these points that, yes, these everyday things are also what normal life looks like.
In fact, I would argue that these life norms would actually help or even solve a lot of the problems many individuals face in our busy, chaotic and all-consuming climate, but that’s just me.
I think the big thing is that so many things in life change and evolve, and they typically do with each new generation, but sometimes we need reminding that not all change is good, nor does it always mean it has to be the new normal – you know, out with the old and in with the new.
Certainly, I assure you, there are things in this life that are still considered normal. Help me build the list – what is something you still consider normal in this day in age?
In case you forgot, these 11 things are still considered normal in life
Going to the grocery store more than once a week or month
The amount of people who trek to Costco or your big box, wholesale stores, buying up groceries for the month and storing an insane amount of goods in their home at any given time is absolutely mad. While there are certainly situations where this makes sense, like those who have a long commute from their nearest grocery store, this way of life has taken a hold of a greater majority of individuals.
Rich or poor, those who shop by stocking up for the month exist in droves across the board. It would almost seem as if shopping for a day’s worth of meals is considered peasantry, except I’d be willing to bet many would say the ability to do so is actually more elitist.
In any case, grocery shopping more than once a week or month is still totally normal. As someone who used to shop weekly, I actually spend less money on groceries by now shopping 2-3 times a week. And while the concept still looks foreign, as I see individuals with carts full to the brim at check out, going to the store now feels like an integrated part of normal life (without the dread) simply by going more often.
Planning and making your meals around what’s on sale
Meal prepping seems to have stuck or come back around over the years in the wake of a busy society trying to be more health and money-conscious when it comes to fast food and eating out in general.
This is great, don’t get me wrong, and it’s also normal to meal plan based on what’s on sale that week.
I don’t know about you, but I look for yellow-sticker items, especially meats, yet tons of people either turn a blind eye or wouldn’t give a second thought to eating something that simply has to be cooked or frozen in the next couple days for a fraction of the price. Let’s shout from the mountaintops when I say meal planning based on sale items is normal life, people!
I’m sure the coupon fanatics still exist out there, yet there is nothing wrong with planning meals around affordability and sustainability, not just availability.
Going out to eat or grabbing fast food is an intermittent treat
Tell the masses that going out to eat or grabbing fast food wasn’t a replacement for grocery shopping and cooking and watch them totally malfunction.
Nowadays, food simply isn’t fast, cheap or convenient enough, nor do we even have the time to go get it – that we have someone do it for us, and pay top dollar for. The problem is we’re doing this daily, and for such things as coffee or a meal that costs less than $5-$10.
Remember, going out to eat is not a necessity, it’s a privilege. Food that isn’t prepared in the home and viewed as an intermittent treat (something special) is – dare I say – a real norm.
[Related Read: 5 Ways to detox in a day that can change your life]
Vacations are a special, once-in-a-while opportunity
Real talk – are vacations even vacations, like they used to be, anymore? People are traveling to and fro like it’s any other day, and yet people are still go-go-go and stressed, hence the perpetual need for a vacation from their vacation.
IMO, we’ve slowly desensitized what vacation time actually means and elevated travel to seem like just another outlet of stress with superficial reward. For instance, people are quite literally bringing work along with them, where vacations are no longer a means to disconnect or refocus.
Moreover, travel has essentially become an attained and sustained lifestyle for aesthetics, not for personal, intimate recreation. Vacationing was meant to escape reality (the real world, in a sense) then come back to the normalcy of life rejuvenated, whereas we’re now more focused on our obsession with status signaling on social media.
Meanwhile, you might be wondering whether you’re doing it all wrong if you’re not checking off an endless bucketlist of places to see and visit, one after the other.
This isn’t to throw shade at travel bugs or those with the means to do it often, but it’s actually okay and still entirely normal for families to treat vacations as something special to save up for or who prefer to keep travel minimal in order to preserve its anticipation.
Shopping for clothes seasonally, on deal days or only as needed
I grew up in the 90s, and I remember the one time of year I would essentially get to revamp my wardrobe – that was at the beginning of a new school year. I’d get a few new outfits to compensate for pieces that no longer fit me (or, TBR, that needed to be chucked in the trash).
I get it, there are still many deal days to be had every weekend, and that seasonal savings are still a thing, but I can’t help but notice the major influx of consumerism day in and day out. The focus is more on, “I want this, so I deserve this, therefore I must have it,” rather than, “I want this, but I don’t really need it (right now).“
But if you’re someone who seems to you shop against the grain of everyone else, such as buying your winter clothes during the summer because they’re on sale from last winter or saying no to that third bathing suit for your upcoming vacation since you already have two that fit you just fine – trust me, that’s normal.
Having a house that smells like a home that’s lived in
I want to make sure I stress on this point that I’m not insinuating anyone to have a home that is unlivable or unmanageable. Nobody is telling you to be dirty or to let your house reek of sewage or mold and do nothing about it.
What I am saying is…people are hyper-fixated on using harsh chemicals to get rid of or prevent the natural smell of a home and doing this 24/7. Instead, many end up breathing dirtier, more toxic air inside their home than the air outside and, in turn, associate natural musk odors to poor hygienics.
It’s actually normal not to burn candles, spray fragrances or use scented products throughout your home all day, every day. In fact, it’s still normal to open your windows or use regular, natural cleaners when actually cleaning your home to combat nasty odors.
Letting phone calls go to voicemail or texts be unread
Before cell phones were a big thing, only people who could afford them (and the bill for minutes to use) benefitted from their use. Otherwise, people still had landlines.
If you were busy and you heard your house phone ringing, more than likely you let it go to voicemail. Or if you were out and someone called, you were only aware of having a call when you got home. And if you didn’t have a minute to spare because you needed to get dinner on the stove or kids to soccer practice and then were too exhausted by the end of the day, it wasn’t unusual for that phone call back to wait until the next day or so.
Social obligations beyond immediate family were simply not top tier priority by default, but that didn’t mean the responsibility was neglected, either. Moreover, our personal time was not dictated by a landline, nor did our time incessantly revolve around ensuring the comfort and assurance of others. For instance, there was a better work/life balance back then, and less work-related calls or obligations during personal time. Basically, we understood the assignment: the ability to disconnect was actually beneficial for overall wellbeing.
This was normal, and what normal life should still look like in the wake of technological advancement.
So, yes, it actually is totally normal to disconnect – letting your phone go to voicemail or texts remain unread until you are no longer busy or are within an appropriate timeframe and capacity to engage in conversation.
Actually enjoying the household bills you pay good money for
You might be wondering what I mean by this, and those who get it, get it. Ever find it wild to pay a mortgage for a home you’re barely in or utilizing?
Many glorify having a home, paying so much money for the aesthetics, services and things to use in it, yet will spend an hour per day actually enjoying it. Whether it’s crazy work hours, consistent travel, or the need to be busy out and about when you’re not earning a living…many people are not satisfied with simply being at home.
And if that isn’t you, dear Homebody, that’s actually normal. That’s what normal life is…enjoying the lights being on when you’re working over a third of your day, five days a week paying for them.
Less doing and simply more existing (comfortability with boredom)
Tying in with the point above, many people these days struggle with experiencing boredom. We’re all insanely overstimulated all the time and, in turn, have to be mentally entertained and distracted constantly. We feel less safe being in our own heads (for too long), and we’re less comfortable and capable of facing and embracing boredom.
Boredom is actually a good thing – do quick research on this for yourself. Boredom actually helps build resilience, such as with problem-solving and emotional regulation. Boredom also stimulates our creativity outlet. So if you’re someone who relishes in the moments of boredom, where you end up being able to enjoy true rest, welcome to normal life.
Debt free being the goal rather than needing the latest upgrade
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “I’m here for a good time, not a long time.” IMO, many seem to take that fairly literally in many aspects of life. For instance, people will buy a new car only to sell it for a newer one five years later. They never pay off the first car; they just continue having a car payment longer (if not higher than before).
Isn’t the point of debt to try and get rid of it so you can enjoy being free from paying it? My car, house and phone are all paid off, yet people wonder why I don’t get a newer car, get a bigger house, or have the latest iPhone. It seems like so many have accepted debt eternally, or financial enslavement, as long as it means they continue to get the next latest, newest and greatest thing.
If the goal of being debt free means you’re someone who values the ownership of something that’s paid off, that’s still a fiscally responsible norm in life.
If it’s not broken, you don’t need a new one
For those reading that are Gen Z and up, you probably think this is likely something a *Boomer* would say. As a Millennial, this saying is actually common sense from an anti-consumerism standpoint. And yet we have learned from an unripe, ignorant age that anything old or outdated isn’t cool, right?
We still haven’t let that one go into adulthood in more ways than one, such as wanting the latest phone upgrade every year or so. It’s actually more than normal if you’re someone who hangs onto clothes and accessories that are in good condition and still fit even if they’re years old (or out of style).
Here’s the thing: normal life looks like not always keeping up with the Jone’s, comparing what you have to others and not allowing that to somehow define your status, reputation or success.
Help me build onto the list – what is something you still consider normal in this day in age?