Back

Challenge the Norm: Rethinking 'Normal' in a Medicated World | Day 285 of my 2023 Journal

Cecilie Conrad·Oct 14, 2023· 3 minutes

Challenge normal!

The game is on!

We are recording eight podcasts in six days. We had nothing in “the bank” when we sent the grandparents off from Barcelona, and we want to stay true to our goal of sharing one per week in the SelfDirectedPodcast and one per month in the LaidisFixingTheWorldPodcast.

It is lovely work. One of our most important life elements is to grow by talking to interesting people about important stuff. The podcast interviews are exactly that. This day, we talked with Laurie Couture, an attachment and early childhood trauma expert. We met online a few months ago, and it was a true pleasure to meet in real life. She has powerful insights into what childhood is for institutionalized children, and it was a pleasure to talk with her.

I am always impressed when I meet people who find the energy to work inside the systems to help children broken by it. This woman found the strength to push through without giving in to the standard procedures; she even wrote a book about what we can do instead of medicine. The episode will air in a few weeks; sign up for our newsletter to get the news.

I can not stress enough how important it is to challenge the mainstream system, especially the element of medicating people to fit into it. We NEED to revolt against this! The entire concept of “normal” has to be challenged by as many people as possible and can NOT be standardized by how the establishment looks - especially not if human beings are not thriving in it.

In the best case, the structures happened by coincidence, and we all need to remember we want a community to live better lives, not because we want to sustain a community, some traditions, big money, or old habits.

Sometimes, it is very complicated conversations we need to have with people we love and who might become very angry, but it is IMPORTANT to stay with our truth.

And mine is: This is crazy! Do not medicate children for mental stuff unless they are psychotic or do not sleep. Which is rare. Change the scene, solve the problem!

We also did a lot of preparations for our American trip. Bought more plane tickets. Looked at insurance. Locations. Recommendations. It just takes time. Nice to do on a rooftop terrace in the shade on a warm day.

So, we also went for a walk and dipped in the Mediterranean as the sun was setting. Staying true to what is important. Staying together. 

With love

Cecilie-Underskrift-300x133

Cecilie Conrad

Thank you for reading
I would love to hear from you. Listen to your thoughts and reflections - or praise :) It is often emotional to share our lives like this, and we get very happy when we get your feedback. So feel free to share a comment below 😋 

Explore the intricate dance between hope and belief and how daring to dream shapes the life we create. Join the conversation on optimism and the cour…Read more
Discover the tranquility of winter with our slow-living approach. Embrace peaceful routines, mindful planning, and the joy of anticipation for new ad…Read more
Embrace the harmony of organizing; my journey from a cluttered bus to a minimalist lifestyle underscores the peace found in order and letting go. Joi…Read more
Discover the serene alpaca world through my visits; their silent hums and gentle gazes offer tranquility. Thanks to Giovani for caring for these beau…Read more
Dive into my culinary adventures in Sicily, where the sun-kissed produce redefines freshness and quality. From sweet, crunchy kale in Portugal to the…Read more
We explore the rich history of cave houses turned museums, indulge in the region's exquisite produce, and soak in the stunning views from an abandone…Read more
Living a nomad life is often extremely social ad sometimes kind of lonely. But we don't really care. We love to have people around, and we love to ch…Read more
I am not a big fan of waiting. I get restless in a split second. There are so many things I want to do. Waiting can drive me crazy.  But the thing is…Read more
I have the habit of taking pictures of flowers. It seems banal, but it is not. Not in my personal life. The beauty of the flowers carries my loss. I …Read more