A solitary cabin stands firm amidst the vast, rugged hills, symbolizing the strength and beauty of choosing an un-average path.
Embracing the Power of Being Un-Average
Navigating Life Beyond the Blueprint
The world celebrates conformity, choosing to be un-average can feel like stepping into the unknown. But it’s in this discomfort that we find our true strength, growth, and the freedom to forge our own path.
About The Visual Intervention
Received the Visual Intervention in 2017 – Appalachian Trail.
It’s Okay to Be Un-Average
Growing up, I always felt a bit out of sync with the world around me. The rhythms that guided others didn’t seem to match my own, and while many sought the comfort of fitting in, I found myself more intrigued by the possibilities that lay beyond the norm. For a long time, this made me feel like an outsider, someone who was always just a step or two out of rhythm with the rest of the world. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that being un-average is not just okay—it’s essential.
It’s easy to sit on the sidelines, to watch life pass by without taking any real chances. It’s comfortable to stick to what’s known, to what’s safe. Average is safe. It’s the blueprint that society hands out, complete with step-by-step instructions on how to live a life that won’t rock the boat. For many, this is a comforting prospect. To be average is to be accepted, to fit in, to avoid the discomfort of standing out. And in a world where standing out can feel like inviting criticism, judgment, or even failure, it’s no wonder that many people cling to the idea of being average.
But here’s the thing: Average is also a trap. It’s a set of invisible chains that keeps us from reaching our true potential. It’s the reason why so many people feel unfulfilled, why so many dreams remain just that—dreams. When we choose to be average, we’re not just making life easier for ourselves; we’re also making it easier for everyone around us. Because when we choose to play it safe, we’re not reminding others of what they could have been. We’re not challenging them, or ourselves, to do more, to be more.
I’ve learned that going beyond average is uncomfortable—sometimes, it’s downright terrifying. It means stepping into the unknown, putting ourselves in situations where failure is not just a possibility but a probability. I can’t count the number of times I’ve failed, the number of times I’ve stumbled along this journey. But each failure has taught me something invaluable. It’s shown me what doesn’t work, and in turn, it’s guided me closer to what does.
The path of being un-average is not a straight line. It’s filled with twists and turns, dead ends, and unexpected detours. But it’s also filled with growth, with learning, with the kind of progress that only comes from pushing beyond the limits of what’s comfortable. I’ve come to see these moments of discomfort as opportunities—opportunities to learn, to adapt, to try something new.
And that’s the key. It’s not about doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. That’s not growth; that’s stagnation. Instead, it’s about taking what you’ve learned from your failures and using that knowledge to try something different. It’s about constantly evolving, constantly pushing forward, even when the way ahead is uncertain.
There have been times when I’ve wanted to give up, to retreat back to the safety of the average life. But every time I’ve felt that pull, I’ve reminded myself that I’m here for a reason. I’m here to live fully, to explore, to create, to push boundaries—not just for myself but for others who feel the same calling. I know what it’s like to feel different, to feel like you’re marching to the beat of a drum that no one else can hear. But I also know the incredible freedom that comes from embracing that difference, from rejecting the blueprint of the average and forging your own path.
It’s okay to be un-average. It’s okay to stand out, to be different, to chase after dreams that others might not understand. It’s okay to fail, to stumble, to make mistakes. Because in the end, it’s not about how many times you’ve fallen—it’s about how many times you’ve gotten back up and tried again. It’s about the courage to keep going, to keep pushing, to keep striving for something greater.
Being un-average isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It’s worth every moment of discomfort, every failure, every doubt. Because it’s in those moments that we grow, that we discover who we really are, and what we’re truly capable of. And in doing so, we inspire others to do the same.
Visual Intervention
Take a moment to look at the top photograph. It’s a black-and-white image of a solitary cabin nestled in a vast expanse of rugged, rolling hills. The contrast between the cabin and the surrounding wilderness is striking—the structure stands alone, small and seemingly insignificant against the backdrop of the towering hills and expansive sky. But that very solitude is what makes it powerful.
This photograph, received on one of my many hikes along the Appalachian Trail, is more than just an image. It’s a visual representation of what it means to be un-average. The cabin represents the individual, standing firm and resilient in a world that often feels overwhelming. The surrounding landscape is vast, wild, and untamed—a metaphor for the challenges and uncertainties that come with stepping off the beaten path.
In many ways, the cabin’s isolation mirrors the experience of those who choose to be un-average. It can feel lonely at times, like you’re standing apart from the rest of the world. But that isolation also brings with it a sense of peace, of quiet strength. The cabin isn’t caught up in the hustle and bustle of the world beyond—it simply exists, perfectly at home in its own space, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
The hills, with their undulating forms and shadows, symbolize the challenges and obstacles that come with living a life that’s anything but average. They rise and fall, just as our journeys do, reminding us that the path to growth is not always a straight line. But despite the ruggedness of the landscape, there’s a sense of harmony in the image—a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there’s beauty to be found.
The clouds drifting over the hills add another layer of meaning. They obscure the sun, casting parts of the landscape in shadow, while others remain bathed in light. This interplay of light and shadow is much like the highs and lows of life—moments of clarity and joy interspersed with moments of doubt and difficulty. Yet, the clouds are also ever-changing, never static, reminding us that nothing is permanent. Just as the clouds will eventually part to reveal the sun, so too will the challenges we face give way to moments of light and understanding.
In this photograph, I see a reflection of my own journey—one that has often felt solitary, challenging, and uncertain. But like the cabin, I’ve learned to stand firm, to find strength in my solitude, and to appreciate the beauty of the un-average life. It’s not always easy, and the path ahead is often unclear. But there’s a certain peace that comes with knowing that I’m following my own path, forging my own way, just as the cabin stands alone in the wilderness, a testament to resilience and individuality.
So, as you look at this image, I invite you to reflect on your own journey. Are you content with being average, or are you willing to embrace the discomfort of standing apart, of forging your own path? The choice is yours. But remember, it’s okay to be un-average. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s a beautiful, powerful thing.
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