The Rush to Return to Normal….

​In this unprecedented chaotic time, we have had our normal routines disrupted. For many, this disruption is stressful and anxiety inducing.  For sure there is total uncertainty at the moment.  For our well-being, for our ability to pay the bills, for maintaining our connections with loved ones. It’s all in a state of flux.

Most of us can’t wait for things to return to normal. Why? I think in large part because we as humans are somewhat resistant to change. Normal represents our comfort zone, whether we are completely happy with that normal or not. And we have all been thrown into a pretty extreme state of discomfort.
How about we flip that narrative? What if we see this as an opportunity?

To take stock. Review our normal. Take inventory of what normal was, and what parts of it we want to carry forward. Dave Hollis had a quote “In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.”

Stop for a moment and consider that. Is your normal something you are so passionate about that you are desperate to get back to it? Or by default, was it your comfort zone?

Now is a great opportunity to take inventory of our lives.

Our relationships, not just our intimate relationships. Those with our friends and family members.  Are they everything we want them to be? What about our old normal do we want to carry with us around our relationships?  What do we want to change? Can we start to implement those changes now? I know there are things about my relationships that I have been taking for granted.  Now that I am not able to physically connect with those in my life as much as I am accustomed to, I am starting to see where I am not holding up my end of the relationships. I miss my family. I’m making more of an effort to connect on-line and by video chatting.

Our work. Are we passionate about the work we do? Does it feel purposeful and fulfilling? The COVID 19 virus has seen governments implement extreme measures to assist in keeping our population safe. Many have lost their jobs, and many businesses will not recover and will permanently close their doors.  Many more will change the way they do business, disrupting the return to work for a lot of people. You may have been doing work you love. How might that change as we move forward? I’ve been delaying launching into the on-line world. But now is the time. More than ever.

How we spend our time or our money. In navigating this total uncertainty, we may have found a resourcefulness as a result of isolation and shortage of supplies that we want to expand upon. With the direction to stay home as much as possible, we may find that busyness has been consuming our day to day life. We have an opportunity to slow things down and revisit what takes priority. What might that look like? For me, it means spending more time with loved ones, even if that virtually at the moment. And getting back to my creativity. It’s been put on the back burner as a result of conflicting priorities for a while.

How we be in the world. We have an opportunity to revamp our way of being, a choice of what we want to re-introduce into our lives. The swirl of negativity and worry around us is heavy at the moment. But there are beacons of positivity and joy as well. The best side of humanity is also being seen. We have an opportunity to embrace that choice. My choice to be more compassionate and thoughtful. What’s your choice?
​
Unprecedented chaos and disruption. Also unprecedented opportunity. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how “normal” might change for you. How can I support you in navigating that uncertainty?

​Would you like to read my blogs on a regular basis? Please join my email list so you don't miss out on the discussions.

Join My Email List