It can mean enthusiastic, as in “I’m crazy about birds.” But that’s not the definition at hand today.
The traditional definition is mentally deranged, but really, that’s old thinking. Today, crazy as a description for someone who mentally ill has been replaced by various mental illness diagnoses, which are far more accurate and less stigmatizing.
But let’s dig a little deeper. Diagnosis or not, what crazy really means is “out of the norm.”
Love his kind of crazy.
In that sense, most creatives are crazy–they’re “out of the norm.” The ability to see beyond what’s on the surface is a true gift that has been responsible for some of our greatest art, literature, music and even inventions. One could argue that Galileo was crazy (and some did, then he turned out to be right) or even Leonardo da Vinci. Definitely Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Pollack’s splatters on canvas might have made him seem crazy. That is, until he was called an abstract expressionist, which has an entirely different connotation.
A number of people I know and love fit the description crazy. Whether they have a diagnosis or not, they are out of the norm, and that makes them interesting.
The fact is, I like things and people that are out of the norm. And, you might say that I’m one of them. No diagnosis, though.
Of course, if your particular form of crazy is dysfunctional, that’s not so good. But crazy-out-of-the-norm can bring with it many gifts and in fact, it IS a gift.
And if you’re crazy? That’s how you should look at it. As a gift.
As in don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
But, if you actually SEE a gift horse? It’s probably smart to call your local mental health clinic.
I think I am now going to take ownership of the term “follow your inner moonlight” it brings with it images of dancing under the full moon in a field of wildflowers – I quite like the idea (does that make me a little crazy too?)
Confession: I LOVE CRAZY. To me, crazy is a thought … action … perspective … that’s daring. Often, crazy is what everyone else is thinking. Only the crazy ones will actually come out and say it though 🙂
I’ll get “crazy” with you anytime, Carol! Life would be boring if we weren’t passionate and excited about different things at different times in our lives! More crazy – please!
Crazy is what brought us most the the meaningful and interesting parts of our world. Who ever swooned over a pocket protector? Most of my family is crazy, love them to pieces!
Kimberly XO
I’ll be the contrarian in the group. Crazy meaning non-conformist, artistic, creative — sure. But crazy has taken on many meanings these days and I can’t say I’m crazy about all of them.
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
I love comments, so if something resonates with you in any way, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on my blog. Thank you for stopping by–oh, and why not subscribe so you don’t miss a single post?
I like to get crazy sometimes, does that count?? Great post… a little crazy… but great!!
Oh, it counts! LOL
I get crazier as I get older. Its the right of passage.
Oh, I love me some crazy!
I think I am now going to take ownership of the term “follow your inner moonlight” it brings with it images of dancing under the full moon in a field of wildflowers – I quite like the idea (does that make me a little crazy too?)
Confession: I LOVE CRAZY. To me, crazy is a thought … action … perspective … that’s daring. Often, crazy is what everyone else is thinking. Only the crazy ones will actually come out and say it though 🙂
Give me crazy anytime. Like never having a “real” job.
Crazy! Yes I admit it, I am crazy, at times.
I’ll take “crazy” any day over “conformist,” “predictable,” “middle of the road” or “timid!”
Oh, we are so on the same wavelength! Crazy, isn’t it?!
I am choosing crazy hair…and letting it represent for me 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksa4VjKE3RY
My husband tells me that my craziness is what attracted him to me! So crazy works for me….and I love it!
I’ll get “crazy” with you anytime, Carol! Life would be boring if we weren’t passionate and excited about different things at different times in our lives! More crazy – please!
A little crazy is fine by me! I think that’s what helps us pursue our goals and take risks!
A little bit of crazy makes life much more fun and interesting!
Crazy is what brought us most the the meaningful and interesting parts of our world. Who ever swooned over a pocket protector? Most of my family is crazy, love them to pieces!
Kimberly XO
I’ll be the contrarian in the group. Crazy meaning non-conformist, artistic, creative — sure. But crazy has taken on many meanings these days and I can’t say I’m crazy about all of them.
Ha! Thanks for the entertaining post. I’m especially fond of people who don’t fit the norm and think differently. In fact, the quirkier, the better.
I definitely fit this description! We should have a “crazy” lady conference.
My analyst told that I was right out of my head… (I loved joni doing this song https://youtu.be/iisYw0epV_Q ) Liike crazy man. I dig that crazy jazz.
I enjoy being a little bit crazy sometimes. Until I start to think that perhaps I truly am clinically (?) crazy. Then it’s no longer fun.
When people say to me that I’m crazy. It sounds like a compliment to me. 🙂
I don’t have any “normal” friends – and that’s just the way I like it! 😀
I love crazy, crazy, crazy and I relate it to having fun, fun, fun!!!!! It’s time! Thanks so much!
Interesting perspective. Definitely food for thought.
You’re correct … a word that has many perspectives! Crazy good article 🙂
I like to think that I’m crazy but classify it as a uniqueness. People like me just the way that I am and I’m happy with the way that I am.