"Normal"

We entered a global pandemic and so much changed for our world, our family life, work life, relationships and for ourselves.  I believe there is something that is being revealed to each of us by having lived during this global pandemic. Some of us will see the learning and act upon it and others will see it and go back to “normal.”
 
What is “normal?”  I keep mulling that around in my head. Was my pre-pandemic life “normal?”  Do I want to return to that “normal” or create a new way of being and living?  I am seeing the word choice popping into this conversation.  What will my choice be, what will your choice be?
 
I looked up the definition of normal: Conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.
My soul interpreted that definition as “living in a box" ... that shook me to my core ... "conforming to a standard...usual, typical and expected" – what is that???  Who decides what that is?? My body shutters with that definition as it relates to my life!
 
I go back to the word choice.  I/we are at choice in how we want to return to life when the stay in place orders are lifted. I have lived so differently the last several weeks.  In the beginning I was hyperventilating about being an extravert in an introvert world – and today, I have settled more into that quieter, less hectic and reflective world … I’m liking it.  Wow, if you would have asked me a year ago if I wanted to live an introvert lifestyle I would have responded “Heck NO!”  
 
We have all had personal shifts over these last several weeks.   I have learned to draw and paint, I have done workouts on Zoom with my gym people, I have baked, I have gotten closer to my husband, I have connected with friends in Australia for cocktail hour, I have had introspective conversations with friends, I have started setting boundaries on my time and where I spend it, and I have more cuddles with my pets.  One of the greatest gifts has been igniting my creativity – my mind and soul is reeling with ideas! 
 
When our country begins to open, I believe we are all at a crossroad … what has been revealed to us and who we want to be moving forward is going to be a decision that we all have?  What will be different for you? How will you decide to live your life?
 
“Life lived by conscious decision is powered by YOU!”
Marilyn Crouch – The Thought Organizer
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