The Absurdity of Absurdity: Lessons from a Weekend in Key West

Absurd is a peculiar word—just saying it feels like an announcement gone awry. The hard “d” at the end lands awkwardly, yet oddly, it’s kind of fun to say. But absurdity, with all its quirks, holds incredible power—if we’re awake to it.

To test this, my friend Sara Cross and I invented “The Absurd Game” during a weekend in Key West. The rules were simple:

1. Seek the odd in the ordinary.

2. Ask what the absurdity is trying to awaken in us.

Here’s what we discovered:

Lesson 1: Belonging and Becoming

Key West is crawling with roosters, strutting the streets and crowing at all hours. These birds weren’t always island mascots—they were brought for cockfighting before the practice was outlawed. Now they’re protected patrons of the land.

It got us thinking: What if these roosters were meant to be more than farm animals all along? What if their absurd presence is a reminder that true belonging isn’t about fitting in—it’s about becoming who we’re meant to be?

Lesson 2: Perfection Needs Imperfection

The island’s charm is undeniable: pastel houses, turquoise waters, and lush palms. But then there’s the smell. Seaweed piles up on the beaches overnight, and while tractors clear it daily, it’s never completely gone.

The stench, we decided, was a metaphor. Without imperfection, beauty lacks depth. The seaweed challenges the postcard-perfect scenery, making the experience richer—and real.

Lesson 3: Luck Is Only Half the Equation

By chance, our visit coincided with the Songwriters Festival. Streets buzzed with music, and Brad Paisley was headlining a block party. But after hours of searching for the crowd, we gave up and went home, only to find out the next day that the event was two blocks away.

The absurdity? We had luck on our side but missed the opportunity because we limited our reality to our imagination. Luck might open doors, but we have to walk through them.

Lesson 4: Plan All You Want, Absurdity Always Wins

As a keynote speaker for an incredible organization, I meticulously prepared everything—from materials to outfits. I even packed four swimsuits to ensure I had just the right one for lounging poolside.

But on the flight home, I realized I’d forgotten one crucial item: underwear. My choices? Go commando (absurd) or wear an unused swimsuit (slightly less absurd). The swimsuit won.

The Takeaway

Absurdity interrupts our routines to shake us awake. It invites us to question what we know, laugh at ourselves, and see deeper truths. Whether it’s a crowing rooster, the stink of seaweed, or forgotten underwear, absurdity has something to teach us—if we’re willing to play along.

So, here’s to embracing the absurd, finding the wisdom in the weird, and dancing through life with a little more humor and curiosity. After all, it’s in the chaos that we grow.

• What absurdity is attempting to shake you awake?