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Published Jan 20, 2022

The case for being ordinary

Rainesford Stauffer presents a compelling case for embracing ordinariness in a world fixated on extraordinary achievements, advocating for a simpler, more fulfilling path through redefining success, work passion, and self-care practices that prioritize genuine contentment and leisure.
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  • Self-Care

    The concept of self-care has been heavily commercialized, often serving as a superficial solution to deeper systemic issues. argues that true self-care involves understanding what genuinely enriches one's life, rather than simply enhancing performance 1. She emphasizes the importance of personalizing self-care to fit individual needs, whether that means enjoying solitude or seeking community 1. shares, "The best thing that we can do for self care as young adults is figure out, first of all, what does it mean to care for ourselves? What does that look like to me as an individual, and what kind of care will enrich my life and make me feel better, not make me perform better, make me feel better."

    The best thing that we can do for self care as young adults is figure out, first of all, what does it mean to care for ourselves? What does that look like to me as an individual, and what kind of care will enrich my life and make me feel better, not make me perform better, make me feel better.

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    In relationships, she advises young adults to prioritize choosing themselves, understanding that they are complete as they are, with or without a partner 2.

       

    Rest

    Rest and leisure are often undervalued in a culture focused on constant self-improvement. highlights the importance of engaging in activities purely for enjoyment, without the pressure of self-optimization 3. She suggests that leisure should be about doing what feels good in the moment, whether it's watching TV or taking a walk, rather than striving to become a better version of oneself 3. notes, "I think we just need more time to be as is. It shouldn't be. Even the hobbies have to be extraordinary."

    I think we just need more time to be as is. It shouldn't be. Even the hobbies have to be extraordinary.

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    She also points out that genuine rest can be as simple as slowing down and staring into space, emphasizing that it doesn't always have to be an activity 1.

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