WOW Word-Of-the-Week #333: Eccentric
December 20, 2010 by Susan Clarke
Eccentric – a person who deviates from normal forms of behavior especially in a bizarre manner.
Do you know anyone that you would call eccentric? Does Howard Hughes come to mind? Will you be experiencing any type of bizarre behavior this Holiday?
Howard Hughes
In response to last week’s WOW on gratitude, I received this very positive e-mail from Linda. She wrote, “What a beautiful post. I am grateful especially this holiday season because I still have my parents, and on December 26th my two sisters and I will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends. “
“The best part of it is that my grandpa, 94 years young, who walked my mom down the aisle 50 years ago, will be there to help her celebrate. Isn’t this what we all want? And it’s so true about what you said regarding the stress of spending time with family during the holidays.”
“I remember the movie with Anne Bancroft, Charles Durning, Robert Downey Jr., Claire Daines, Geraldine Chaplin, Dylan McDermott and Holly Hunter called ‘Home for the Holidays.’ And the stress the character played by Holly Hunter went through spending time with her eccentric family. I’m guessing a lot of families may or may not have similar experiences but one should appreciate and be grateful for the family they do have to celebrate with.”
“I think of the homeless and the elderly who don’t have anyone and how their souls are so empty and lost. I can honestly say, I am lucky and I know because other people have told me, ‘You’re so lucky to still have your parents to be able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. I wish I could have that chance. I would give anything to have that chance to see my parents one more time.’”
“So that is why Susan, your post today hits home because I AM grateful and I do appreciate the love and kindness God has given to me and for letting me still have my parents to celebrate not only for their 50th anniversary but to have them for another day.”
This weeks focus is to understand eccentric behavior. Can you not take it personal? Can you accept that we all may be a little bit eccentric at times?
Reader Responses
“My father always reminds me that it takes all kinds to make a world, and there is not one missing. My mother’s advice is that it would be a very boring world if we were all the same. The key with eccentrics and everyone else is acceptance. Let’s face it, none of us operates on the same type of schedule or lifestyle. Many people in life march to the beat of their own drummer. As long as someone’s eccentricities don’t interfere with the everyday function of our lives, we should not worry about it too much. When we go to dinner with in-laws or relatives who have an unusual way of eating, drinking or talking, it is best to just accept them for what they are. In my own dealings with eccentrics, I laughed off some of the behavior that I encountered. I had to or I would have gone crazy. If there is anything that eccentrics can teach us it is that maybe we should not take life too seriously and lighten up. My mother always reminds me that if there were not people unusual or different from us, who would we have to talk about in our lives? Great word, Susan. Especially at this time of the year when many eccentrics are out and about. Take care. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.” – “Warrior” Joe