So, I write and speak a lot about calming the chaos. About clearing our clutter. I coach how to declutter and purge all of the excess in our lives, from our closets to our calendars. Which is why it feels especially strange to me that many of us just decluttered our schedules in a matter of what almost felt like minutes. There is very little normalcy right now.
My days have never looked so bare. It’s feels freeing and yet scary all at the same time. I’m on a new roller coaster, one that I don’t remember getting in line to ride!
For many of us our freedom and flexibility has been taken away (the fact that we’re being asked to stay home). Whereas on the flip side, we’ve been given much more freedom and flexibility, specifically with our time. Mostly because our schedules have been minimized, at least when it comes to our outside activities.
Now, I realize that this doesn’t apply to each and every one of us, and that we all have varying circumstances. However, each one of us are wrestling with somewhat of a “new normal.” With how to create some sense of normalcy, how to structure our daily routines, and how to find some kind of comfort in this chaos.
Normalcy
I’m working to create some sense of normality, specifically within my day-to-day and choosing to embrace my new reality as best I can! I’ve had good days and bad days. And it’s all OK. It’s fine to have feelings, all of them. This is new territory for all of us. I don’t like being emotional and I’ve been struggling with feeling emotional. All of the unknowns, all of the pain and suffering, and really just trying to clarify what exactly my role is.
Through my soul searching and prayer time, I’m being reminded that the best thing I can do is to remain healthy and purposeful. Realizing that when I take good care of myself, I am then able to better serve my family and community. Normal looks different right now and that’s OK.
Routine
Our routines don’t need to be rigid, but we should avoid being complacent. This can be a gift of time, if we choose to look at it that way. I regret that I may have spent a few too many days in complacency and this is not my normal tendency. Instead, moving forward I’m giving myself a few work things to focus on each day and then all additional things are “bonus!” If we as the leaders in our home practice living life as intentionally as possible and work to create daily rhythms, where they fit or where they are beneficial, then we will be providing our households with a greater sense of peace.
Comfort
This is the time to find comfort in the little things. Continue to find ways to connect with others. Carry on with game night even if over Face Time or Zoom. Use some of your extra time to catch up with an old friend or curl up with a blanket and book or maybe just to take a nap. While we can’t ignore all that is going on, we can press on.
We can choose to rise up each day and to take on the day. Leave room for the feelings, make space for the disappointments, and create margin for some fun too.
If there is a specific way I can be praying for you and/or your family, please let me know. I also shared more in a bonus podcast episode HERE.
Thank you for reading, listening, and being intentional with me.
