In this blog post, we’re going to explore the idea of re-creating normal, how to do it and what it could mean for you. This blog post is inspired by a turn of phrase I heard in this recent Rich Roll Podcast Episode with Guru Singh.
First, the Rich Roll podcast is my favourite. Rich Roll is an accomplished yet, humble human. He is curious and authentic is his search to capture our human experience. Guru Singh is another favourite for his humour, wisdom and perspective on life.
The term that caught my attention was “relapsing to normal”. As we re-enter the (hopefully) post-COVID world, are we relapsing to normal and what does that even mean?
Rich Roll and I share a history of recovery from alcoholism and Guru Singh is no stranger to this subject matter.
Relapse can definitely be part of the journey but, it implies a falling back to old and unhealthy habits.
I think this is a really interesting topic for today’s world – for everyone.
With that I want to walk you through a process I’m personally undertaking. We’re also walking through it in the May You Know Joy Membership and you can definitely do it on your own.
Normal vs. Healthy
Let’ explore this interesting relationship of normal vs. healthy. This is a great opportunity for you to examine what normal means to you. Maybe you liked your old normal. Perhaps you love your new normal. Or – maybe you just don’t even know up from down at the moment and that’s OK too because that’s where many of us find ourselves.
Wherever you sit, now is a time to consider what normal might look like to you and how you can use this incredible opportunity to redefine it.
I want to take this opportunity to remind you that normal doesn’t always mean healthy. Just because you are used to a certain pattern, relationship or way of doing things doesn’t mean it is in your best interests. Now is the perfect time to re-look this and re-think your path forward.
Lessons from COVID
There are a lot of lessons from COVID if we are willing to see them. I encourage you to take a look back at the last year and ask yourself the following questions. There may be some quick answers but, give the answers time to percolate as you journal about them, think about them, meditate on them and generally let them simmer.
In the time of COVID, what were you grateful for?
How did life change for you during COVID?
What lessons do you wish to carry forward?
What would you like to release and let go of?
Re-Creating Normal
Now, we get down to the business of re-creating normal and what that can mean for you.
At the time of writing this, it is Summer 2021. We are midway through the year. We see September and back-to-school, back-to-work and the busy-ness of Fall just around the corner. Whether these actual events are true for you, I think we can all agree that the Fall comes with a sense of fresh starts and getting organized. With this in mind, I encourage you to consider a few things:
What do you think of when you reflect on the first half of the year?
What are you grateful for?
Have there been significant events or accomplishments?
What lessons have you learned?
What would you like to leave in the past?
If you set intentions or goals for this year, this is a great to time to take a look at them. Are you on track? Do you want to make changes? Modify them as you need to.
Your Intentional Way Forward
With the deep self-reflection on what has been an incredible time, you have a chance to create your intentional way forward. If we are creating a new normal (forgive me if you don’t like that term – I haven’t found an alternative yet!), what do you want it to look like? What schedule or routine would nourish your soul, inspire you and having you aligned with your most fulfilling path?
Here are some questions to consider:
What do I want to create for myself?
What will nourish me?
Are there things I want to continue doing? (Think: habits that are healthy,nourishing and working for you)
Is there something I would be better off to stop doing? (Think: what patterns and activities are not serving you?)
What do I want to start doing?
Let me identify my intentions.
Are there simple steps can I take to live with greater intention?
Simple and Consistent is Magic
Simple and consistent is magic – really. This is a really great practice to re-centre and re-align. Take as much time to arrive at your best path forward. Remember that It’s not a race but rather, a really beautiful journey
I also want to take this opportunity to remind you that it’s the simple, mindful choices that you make daily that have a profound and transformative effect over time. Do not underestimate your simple actions because they have a lot of power.
Also remember that all intention setting is creation energy. Every moment you have the opportunity to create your experience and your future. Take this opportunity and be open to a world of possibility.
Experiment & Be Curious
As you create your new normal, be willing to experiment and be curious. Try something new. If it works, great. However, if it doesn’t, that’s amazing information and a great opportunity to try something else. You and your needs will always be changing so, allow for this flow of evolution. While routine and discipline can have great advantages we don’t want to limit ourselves and exclude viable alternatives.
Create Your New Normal
This is an incredible opportunity to create your new normal. Your daily routines, ritual and habits shape the fabric of your day and your life. Be very mindful of what you’re giving your time to. Play with new routines that suit you better because ones that are nourishing, inspiring and meet your energy will transform your day-to-day.
Making changes and creating new patterns can be tough. That’s why it’s great to infuse it with joy and try things that light you up (maybe you feel more energized, more rested or more productive).
Create intentional rituals, routines and practices that are the foundation of your most joyful and fulfilling life because that’s where possibility lies
Intention Setting Resources
If you are seeking inspiration for your self-reflection or intention setting practices, you know we’ve got a lot of great intention setting resources to help you.
Our full line of gorgeous intention card products can offer great inspiration. Find the one(s) that is right for you.
The Intention Setting Workbook is the ultimate deep dive. If you love this kind of introspection, it is a beautiful guide.
The May You Know Joy Membership is perfect if you would like to build a daily intention setting practice. There is lots of information and practice tools. We have amazing monthly master classes & the community is awesome.