An “outlier” is the term used to describe things that lie outside normal experience. In the winter in New England, we expect that temperatures will be cold. If we had a day that was warm and hot, that day would be an outlier.
People can be outliers, too.
Most people who are outliers are talked about because of good. For their seemingly amazing, unreachable success. People like Steve Jobs, Tyler Seguin, Beyonce, and Meg Whitman.
You could argue that Jared Loughner, Kermit Gosnell, and Adam Lanza were outliers too. You see, they’ve each done things that lie well outside normal. Sadly, the things that they’ve allegedly done were not for good. Just like the person(s) responsible for the horrific bombings at the Boston Marathon.
If you live in Massachusetts, then you may already know that Patriots Day is a day to commemorate the first battles of the American Revolution. A day when the first Americans were victorious. We celebrate each year on the third Monday in April. Patriots Day kicks off school vacation week and is also “Marathon Monday.” The day is exciting; you can feel the energy in the air as you move about the city. We celebrate the Red Sox, and root for the amazing runners participating in the Boston Marathon. We eat pastries in the North End.
It is supposed to be a safe day. A day where you are carefree.
You are not supposed to be worried that you will be blown up and lose a leg or a life. How could this happen to my city? Why is the world such a blistering cesspool of disgusting crap.
It’s not the world. It’s the outliers.
Bostonians are strong. They may have bruised us, but they will not beat us. They may have maimed us, but they will never take our strength.
Thinking of you and yours today. You’re right on. Boston is so strong. Always has been, always will be.
Thank you for your support and kind words.
I’ve been thinking about what a bad world we live in, but you are right, it’s not the world, it’s the outliers. Very well said.
Thank you. It is the outliers, the world is full of wonderful people. We can’t let a few outliers take over.
So true – I’m glad I read this today. Praying for you guys and so impressed with the strength and spirit of Boston!
Thanks, Debbie. Boston is strong, and will come back stronger.
I love Boston and was so saddened by the events there. Boston is such a great city.
It’s heartbreaking, and heartwarming, too. The outpouring of support has been amazing.
“It’s not the world. It’s the outliers. ” I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for writing this post… help me remember this fact!
Thanks, Stacey. It’s been such a difficult week here, that I felt we could all use a little reminder!
We have almost moved to Boston twice for my husbands job, but have taken different offers both times. Boston is his dream marathon to run, so I know someday we will be there, and maybe live there. We were so shocked by the news and can’t imagine what it was like to be living there when this was happening! We are both runners and are at races several times a year, and bombs aren’t the thing you worry about- it’s usually weather and the shape of your body.
It’s a beautiful city, and one that will not be defined by this horrific event. I hope you and your husband have the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon one day!