One cannot have an extraordinary life unless one lives extraordinarily—swims outside the mainstream, away from the midstream, travels awry from the middle road and bravely upon that path less traveled.
This alternative course, of course, will mean an occasional deviation from the mean; abnormal, supernormal, supra-normal actions that may place the actor in danger, in harms way of being seen as—“not normal.”
This, more than many things, frightens people, or at least startles them so much that they either react defensively because it threatens a simpler, predictable way of life, or after initial shock, becomes a lackadaisical amusement—as long as the observer remains removed from the unusual scene of behavior; much like the seated audience at a theater or at the edge of the circus arena watches performers with extraordinary talents which they do not possess themselves.
Either way, the protagonist, if she is willing and able, risks being seen as a deviant. This perception of course has consequences—some delicious, others dire. Because by being distinguished from the crowd, one can is either subject to criticism and other sorts of attacks and scrutiny, or if she is lucky, one might be praised or admired with awe and envy.
And as someone “special”, it is a fine line of perception that distinguishes one from the elite, the geniuses, the incredibles, and other VIPs—and the eccentrics, weirdos, strangely peculiar and just plain “different.” In sum, being seen as one makes you popular, and the other—distrusted.
Regardless, ultimately those brave enough to be an individual, a person who truly commands her fate, lives a life that is extraordinary.
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l.m