There Doesn’t Have To Be A New Normal
There Doesn't Have To Be A New Normal
Hello, my dear friend. How are you doing? Really doing? Not the “I am ok when I’m really not”, but the “I am ok, but this week has been tough in this way” doing. We are living in times we have never before experienced, so I thought this week we could talk about why There Doesn’t Have To Be A New Normal. You know the process, grab your favourite drink in your best mug and sit with me for a few minutes. I love your company!
What Is Normal Anyway?
As countries, provinces and cities start to relax social distancing measures, we are hearing people talk more and more about “returning to normal”. I am sure it is meant as a reassuring phrase, but for some reason, when I hear that phrase, it makes me a bit unsettled. I find myself asking, “What is normal, anyway?”
Merriam Webster Online Dictionary defines normal as conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normal). When I visualize “normal”, I see boxes lined up in straight lines and predictable patterns. Not necessarily a bad thing, or then again, is it?
When Our Normal Is Interrupted
Normal is generally comfortable, even in our discomfort, because it is familiar to us. It may not be working for us in every facet, but at least we know we know what to expect and when to expect it. We generally do not see anything wrong with our normal, until that normal is interrupted. Then we begin to see the cracks and imperfections in the normal that we had created and were living. We are in a season when our normal has been interrupted and I would be bold enough to state that in the last few months the cracks and imperfections in what we were living as normal, have begun to show.
Opportunities to Shift
So what happens when we realize our normal may not have been as unflawed as we thought? Out of this realization comes a perfect opportunity to shift. Anytime there is change, there is an opportunity to take it a step further and make a shift. We can let change happen to us or we can lean in, participate, be intentional and begin the process of shifting – greater change! I believe that we are in a season where the opportunities for shifting are greater than anything most of us have experienced to date.
Living Outside the Box
Think for a moment about the last few months. How have things changed in your life? The way you do things? How you understand things? The actual things that you are doing? What is different in this season? Make a list. I promise you, you will be amazed at how much change you are going through right now. Now, how many of these changes are things that you said you would never do? Perhaps things that had not even entered your mind? Or even things you hoped to do, but never got around to? Right now, whether you intended to or not, you are living outside the box of normal. How does it feel? A bit uncomfortable? However, some parts of it are exciting as well? If you could pick and choose through this experience, what parts would you keep and what parts would you discard? How much would it look like your old normal?
Greater Than A New Normal
Many people are talking about a new normal. When I visualize a “new normal”, I still see boxes lined up in straight lines and predictable patterns. The boxes may be different colours or arranged a bit differently but they are still predictable. What if there was something greater than a new normal?
Transforming Times
If we could get our minds around the fact that there is more to life than finding the place where we are comfortable, and then parking there. When we learn to live and function in our discomfort, we will find the place where there is no new normal, but rather a place of transformation. A place where we can react to change by shifting continuously, picking and choosing what parts to keep and what parts to discard, without waiting to be forced into this disrupted state by outside forces. What if this is a transforming time? What if this is the season in which we will learn to stop striving for normal. A reset season in which we begin to understand that there is more than normal; there is a way of life built around shifting despite the discomfort, lending itself to growth. When I visualize growth, I see a variety of colourful shapes, constantly moving in and out of beautiful patterns. Sounds more fun than normal!
What I Know
These are unusual times. They have not been easy for many of us, but that does not mean we have to settle for normal or even a new normal. As many are moving back to their previous normal or working to create a new normal, we have the opportunity to choose to shift. We can sit and reflect on what this experience has been like for us. What have we learned? List those things that are working. Make note of those things that have not worked. Now, what do we need to do to sustain what is working and change what is not? It does not matter that others’ are striving for normal or new normal or what that looks like for them. Despite the discomfort of this season, you can choose to shift and grow. Transformation is the greater normal!
Until Next Time
Well, my friend, that is all the time we have for today. So happy to have had time to sit and chat around the kitchen table. Stay safe and take the time to do some reflecting before moving on to a new normal. Do not miss this opportunity.
Your Turn To Comment
As always, there are many ways to stay in touch. I would love to hear from you! Let me know how our chats around the kitchen table are going and drop a note about what things you would like to chat about.
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Until next time,
From my heart to yours!
Laurie
