01 Mai Is this the new normal? What does that mean?
COVID-19, am I right??
When we went into lockdown (#hibernation), I did the typical stuff:
– signed up for a newspaper app so I could follow the evolution of this thing, whatever this thing was…
– watched tutorials on how to use Zoom for family and business calls
– discussed strategies with my business partner on how to keep « doing » our business but differently
– went into « frantic » mode to try to hold on to what I knew and considered normal…
At the beginning of this lockdown back on March 15th, in an effort to keep to my optimistic make-up, I tried to maximize the potential of this unprecedented time. I suppose I believed that I could, somehow, « ride the wave » and come out the other end for the most part unscathed. I still believed, in those first couple weeks of bewilderment, that things would go back to normal. I guess I might not be the only one.
It was not to be the case…
It has now been 6 weeks! And in the last weeks, I have heard a phrase – « the new normal » – mentioned over and over again and I am not sure what it means. I am not sure anyone really knows what it means. Can’t we go back to the way things were?
Can't we go back to the way things were?
It seems the answer to that question might be a resounding no. And I do see some positive (#optimistic) things have come out of this strange time, but, when reading the news a lot of negative has been experienced also. So how do we move on? Maybe, one way to do that is to take stock of what we learned at this moment in time…
I think the most important thing I have learned is that busy-ness is not the answer. Instead, when after the first two weeks I realized it was going to last a whole lot longer, I decided to take some time for me. I asked myself when was the last time I had truly given myself permission to focus on me… And I couldn’t really remember.
So, …
I have made exercise a part of my daily routine. I have enjoyed walks, quick 15-minute workout routines in the safety of my apartment, and creative ways of moving (#sillydancing).
I am taking time to start my time with reflection, meditation, spiritual connection, and quiet.
I am carving out time to get back in touch with my creative side and have pulled out my colored pencils, drawing books, and watercolors from storage.
The business is still very much there but in its rightful place, as a part of my life and less in the driver’s seat.
I don’t claim to have it figured out but I do feel energized, more at peace, and hopeful about what the future holds.