Finding Your New Normal
The pandemic paused or even upended many of our lives. Now the past is gone and the future has not fully emerged. In this in-between time, you have the power to create your “new normal.” Will you?
In The Bud
The pandemic put you back in the bud, with few opportunities to bloom.
You may have been uncomfortable and cramped, but this space was just for you. You were in a limited world, free of previous distractions, and able to rejuvenate. The bud brought you within. It took you back to yourself, so that you could prepare to bloom again.
Today, whether you find yourself alone or out in the world, plan for what is to come. Prepare yourself to bloom one day in great beauty and strength.
You Have Agency
Your new normal is about you. You have agency to create the life you want as the world begins to reemerge. Let no one take that from you.
Many things can keep you from owing your agency. Uncertainty can freeze you. Fear can hamper you. Judgement will distract you. Lack of focus may scatter you. Weariness can be potent. You may cling to the past, but that is futile, because the past is gone.
To exercise your agency, start now by reviewing your past. Look back to your pre-pandemic life. How much has your life changed? What remains? Is there anything you want to resurrect? What possibilities now exist that were not there before?
Next, look to the present. What is the state of your life now? What needs to change? What does not serve you?
How Will You Bloom?
An Exercise In Creative Visioning
This is an adventure. You are in control. Employ your imagination, intellect, practical skills, creativity and courage in defining what you want your life and work to be. The world has changed and will continue to do so. Keep up with these changes and how they may impact and influence your choices. Identify what you will and will not accept.
Find Your New Normal
Take a wide view of your life and work. Use the chart linked below to frame your thinking, or create your own. On the top horizontal axis, list these four aspects of your life: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. On the vertical axis, list three things: your past life, your current life and your new normal. For each of the four aspects, describe first how your life was in the past, how it is now, and how you want it to be in your new normal. Use this chart to initiate your thinking about how you want to bloom.
You will be blooming in a world you have not known before. This brings uncertainty as well as possibility. Embrace this and set a direction.
You do not have to be exact – this is about getting yourself in motion and owning your agency as you create a vision of your life in the new normal.
Why It All Matters
You are living in a time of profound change and transformation. There is a lot of energy in this transformation, with both chaos and push (wind beneath your wings). If you do not harness this energy in your interest, you could be taken away by its force.
Proactively creating your new normal allows you to serve the world by bringing out your unique gifts and talents. Your voice is needed. There is so much to do to create a fulfilling and equitable world.
Others may want to create your new normal for you. They will try to convince you that the world will be a certain way and you must conform, if you want to succeed. They know no more than you do about the future. There is uncertainty for each and every one of us. They may be acting in their own self-interest, desiring control over others. It is not necessary for you to conform. You have freedom to create the life you want to live.
As you emerge into your new normal, be you. Let the world see you shine and get to work!
Going Further
The next article in this series shares thoughts on how you can take the next step and begin to actively design your new normal.
©2021-2022, Ann E. Vanino.