Life as we knew it has forever changed since the world shut down nearly a year and a half ago. The global pandemic forced most of us home and almost overnight doors closed on everything we had taken for granted. We lost predictability in 2020. People were scared, anxious, and overwhelmed with all the unknowns.
Yet, we managed to get creative, adapt and pivot to merge our home, work, school, and social lives. We found new ways to live and function hoping and praying for returned “normalcy”.
Then, the tide turned, and the world began to reopen. Some people were ecstatic to get back to in-person events, to hug family and friends, and to see those smiling faces again. Others were paralyzed in fear of the new uncertainties, safety precautions, and all the “what if’s” the reopening could bring. While many others were one foot in and one foot out of this evolving shift in the second half of 2021.
Now, just as the world began to reopen, a new variant has led to restrictions and mandates being reinforced for many areas. The world continues to turn.
Where are you on the “New Normal Spectrum”?
First, wherever you are on the “New Normal Spectrum” it is important to acknowledge and own it. You do not have to race back out into the world just because things are reopening. You have the power of choice and discernment. You get to choose what you want your “new normal” to look like.
Think about these 3 statements, write them down and post them somewhere you will see them often throughout your day.
“I CAN CHOOSE.”
This is your awareness that gives you permission to choose.
“I WANT TO CHOOSE.”
This taps into your desire to make a choice.
“I CHOOSE.”
This is discernment, empowerment, and a clear decision.
The pandemic brought a lot of loss and change yet, it gave us the gift of the “pause”, a chance to reflect on what was most important and where we were living on autopilot doing the daily grind.
The reopening phase is another opportunity to re-evaluate your choices and to discern what is most supportive to you regardless of what “everyone else” is doing. That does NOT matter!
Remember, we are ALL in this together AND everyone is on their own journey.
COACH JEN’S CHALLENGE FOR YOU!
- Have an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE! There is always something to be grateful for and when you put focus on being grateful vs complaining, you are shifting your entire wellbeing. 😊
- Respect others for being on their own journey. Their journey is theirs and yours is yours. Stay in your lane. You can only control yourself and your choices😊
- Take time to think and/or write about where you are on the “New Normal Spectrum” and what that means to you. Are you excited, paralyzed or ½ in ½ out? What feelings come up for you? What choices are you making and are they supporting you or your fear?
-Excited and back 100% in person, living life like it’s 2019
-Half in, half out still nervous, cautious, and limit in-person events, meetings, etc.
-Totally home based- paralyzed with the thought of getting out unless you absolutely need to
- Stay connected to family, friends, co-workers, etc. whether that is in person or virtually. People NEED people!
- If you are really struggling and feel overwhelmed or paralyzed with this “new normal” please contact me here or email me directly at [email protected].
I can help you work through your process one step at a time to gain balance and to empower YOU with your “new normal”!
The truth is that our lives have forever changed. We cannot go back to how things were, nor can we live in a bubble afraid to live our lives. We must find a healthy balance that empowers, supports, and encourages us to live our best life regardless of what we think we “should” do based on everyone else.
All steps forward count, and it is not a race so, be gentle and check-in with yourself when you feel fear may be in the driver’s seat. Fears #1 job is to keep us safe so, we need to discern our choices and make sure we are choosing from a place of our authenticity (i.e., Health issues, not quite ready, because you WANT to vs “have to”, etc.) and not from a place of fear (i.e., People pleasing, fitting in, judgment or shame of others, etc.). The power of choice is yours!
I would love to hear where you are on the “New Normal Spectrum” and how you are currently handling the ever-changing twists and turns of the world. Please share! You are NOT alone regardless of the category you are in.
Be Fierce, Be Fearless, Be YOU!!
Jen
Empowerment Coach, CFLC