The New Normal

This is not what we expected at the beginning of this year, is it?

I spent the first day of 2020 on the beach surrounded by my friends. Now, as we enter into the 10th month of this roller coaster year, we are not even allowed to be on any beaches or gather with more than 5 persons in one place. We’ve added another essential to our checklist before walking out the door, so lately I’ve been experiencing a lot of “oh shoot! My mask” moments and having to run back inside or to my car to grab one. Figuring out if we wash the reusable masks on the gentle cycle, or normal cycle to ensure a thorough cleaning to rid them of potential virus infected micro particles. If germaphobes weren’t already afflicted, now they just might be losing their minds... and have really really dry hands.

For people like me who don’t function well in uncertainty, this time may be especially difficult to keep our mental health at bay. I’ve personally never felt more unstable in my life. And it’s more of an underlying anxiety that festers within me and requires extra and intentional self awareness and self care to manage. Another very important part of managing this anxiety is keeping things in perspective (without getting too caught up in a whirlwind of negativity) and asking yourself what you can do to help. When I say helping others is a gift, it truly gives you a sense of purpose and renewed hope during these difficult times.

Apart from personal woes, there has been so much new information available for our consumption on what the world is experiencing in this pandemic. For many of us, this is our first time living through such a magnitude of global emergency and we are coming to terms with the part we are playing in what will become history. I do hope that this realization emphasizes each and every individual’s duty to be responsible and considerate of not only themselves, but of other people’s lives, in the daily choices that we make during this pandemic.

Before taking a trip down conspiracy theory lane, take the time to read the information we are being given by local and international healthcare professionals. Learn the reasons for our governments imposing certain rules and restrictions. Understand why we are being threatened to pay fines for not complying, instead of placing added pressure on authorities and other essential workers. Many people don’t realize that their own selfish behavior has effects that cause the need for more of the same rules and restrictions that they refuse to respect and follow. Every person has to do their part if we want to survive this.

With each day that passes, we have been forced to accept the changes that have come with this Coronavirus pandemic... The New Normal. Things that we normally look forward to, we are no longer able or allowed to experience. We are now living in uncertainty in many aspects of our lives. Many of us are struggling to cope with the increase, or decrease in daily activities that we are accustomed to and with the financial burdens that came along with this pandemic. It hasn’t been easy at all.

However, The New Normal has also forced us all to slow down and pay more attention to the things that are happening in the world. It has opened our eyes to many issues that need our attention and we are now faced with the challenge of dealing with these issues more actively. We have also been afforded the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones and be more intentional about making time for the important things. The pandemic has shown us how short and uncertain life can be and how important it is to appreciate the time that we have here. It continues to remind us to count every single blessing that we have been given and continue to receive daily with gratitude.

We are all readjusting to the new normal, but be reassured that humans are built to adapt. We are stronger than we think and we have the capacity to find solutions for the difficulties we face. When each individual is doing their part while we all work together for solutions the journey is smoother. Think of others when you are going about your daily life. Anything you do, do it with kindness in your heart. Listen to gain understanding and speak as though you would like to be understood. Spend time with your loved ones and make sure to tell them how important they are to you. Use this time to be grateful for everything that you have.

Stay safe, wear your masks and don’t forget to breathe deeply.

- Gabi -