

The case for being ordinary
11 snips Jan 20, 2022
Rainsford Stauffer, a freelance writer and author of An Ordinary Age, discusses the unrealistic pressures faced by young adults striving for an extraordinary life. She emphasizes embracing ordinariness as a path to personal fulfillment and identity. The conversation touches on the harmful effects of perfectionism and societal expectations, urging a shift from traditional views of success to a focus on community and personal values. Rainsford also redefines self-care, encouraging listeners to seek authentic strategies amidst the noise of commercialization.
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The Pressure of Perfectionism
- Societal pressures and systemic crises contribute to the pursuit of exceptionalism.
- Perfectionism becomes a stand-in for stability in uncertain times.
Embracing the Ordinary
- Focus on internal values rather than external markers of success.
- Embrace self-acceptance and prioritize what truly matters to you.
The Privilege of Choice
- The pursuit of a "best life" is inherently privileged and often ignores societal contexts.
- It overlooks systemic inequalities that impact young adults' life paths.