As I scroll through Instagram liking posts and reading captions, one thing is apparent: the majority of us are ready to get back to “normal”. Sure, we may be overwhelmed with the additional stressors that have been added throughout the pandemic but as Dave Hollis stated, “In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.”
The words are powerful and ring true. So often we complain about our jobs, relationships (platonic and romantic), not having enough time just to sit and be still. Whether by choice or force, for a lot of us that time has now been given to us.
For me, I finally have time to meal prep and intentionally cook healthier. I have been exercising at least 3-4x a week and started running again. Chris and I have been going on walks, finding creative things to do for date night and even cleared out a bedroom we use for storage to turn into an office. These are all things that I/we have been wanting to make time for but with the hustle and bustle of life we never slowed down enough to actually do. When things get back to normal, although it may be difficult we are going to do our best to continue to prioritize these things as they have brought us closer and increased our individual happiness.
While we shelter in place, I challenge you to consider what parts of your life bring you joy, and what you would want your new “normal” to look like, instead of going back to the normalcy which may have caused unnecessary emotional and mental stress.
We only have one life to live, so let’s make it joyful!