Spongebob And Patrick - Tumblr Posts

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"Mr Normal" a post on Masking

Anyone remember that SpongeBob episode "Mr Normal"? Well, after watching it again with one of our littles, I have some thoughts.

Basic synopsis: SpongeBob, wanting to be liked by Squidward asks him how to be normal, is given a VHS tape, and spends the first half of the episode becoming normal (creating RoundBob). He loses his job at the Krusty Krab, loses Patrick and then is kicked out of Squidward's house. He relearns to be his real self as the episode comes to a close.

Our little asked if should do that - and become normal.

Looking back on the experience of my system, this story, of losing yourself for others is one that many of us relate to, and many outcasts, edge walkers and weirdos may relate to too.

SpongeBob is fueled by a desire to be normal, to feel accepted, and ultimately to be loved by Squidward - in doing so, he tries on a persona of normality, that eventually becomes his entire personality. He loses himself for others.

I know many neurodivergent people understand this. Especially those who were not diagnosed in early childhood. Growing up feeling like something is wrong with you, to eventually try changing little parts of yourself to please others, to masking your entire true personality to fit in is an experience that many, many neurodivergent people relate to.

But this story holds hope.

SpongeBob finds himself again. He relearns how to be genuine. He relearns his previous personality and finds the joy in being himself that he slowly returns to his spongy self. So to my autists, ADHDers, loners, weirdos and outcasts who masks parts of themselves to please others I challenge you to do something for the self before you started hiding things; chip away at that forced normalisation somehow, and find the messy self underneath all the conditioning.

Try being weird. Intentionally. Be kids again, or let yourself be a child for the first time. You're allowed not to be a professional adult all the time (none of us are), even if it's something little your younger self would have loved. Try not to let the persona you put on become your identity, and if it has become how you view yourself...

Try to be a little silly now and then 💜