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The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. W.A. Ward

I don’t like the phrase “new normal.” It has a sense of permanence to it, like things will never be the same again. The things we used to enjoy doing are pushed into the past, never to be enjoyed again. Normal in the future becomes much different than normal in the past. Consequently, normal becomes abnormal and that’s supposed to be normal. That’s frightening to me.

Hubby and I have made adjustments during the pandemic, but instead of finding a new normal, we’ve developed a new routine. While those two things may seem the same, they’re not in my mind. Making a new routine means we are working within the conditions we find ourselves in and making adjustments. We do as many things as possible the way we’ve always done them, and adjusted the ones that we can’t. While we can’t do everything we used to do, we’ve found other outlets for what we like to do and even found some activities we didn’t think about before. By doing that, we maintain some sense of normalcy and excitement.

For example, Hubby is usually gone working all summer, but this year, he’s home due to the pandemic. While he misses his bicycling riding in the Black Hills, he still goes bike riding on the Greenbelt and the Weiser River trail. We’ve discovered new places within a two-hour drive of Boise, seen interesting things, and enjoyed time together. It’s been fun. Next summer may be safe enough for him to go back to his summer job, but for now, we’ve made the best of the situation.

Several weeks ago, I wrote about feeling lost in the land of I Don’t Know (see the blog here). I went through a very unproductive spell and felt down a lot of the time. Since then, I’ve migrated to a better place called It’s Okay. Accepting the unusual situation we find ourselves in, Hubby and I have made the best of it. We look for ways to have fun together and have been successful in that. It’s made a big difference. It’s okay to feel blue sometimes about what we miss, but it’s not okay to wallow in self-pity.

I’m much more productive now, having come to grips with the turmoil everywhere. Just making progress on my writing projects has lifted my spirits. Doing random acts of kindness is also uplifting. A lot of people are having a hard time, and a kind word or small gesture of kindness cheers them up. It’s what society needs right now. Let’s give them what they need.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:3-4

Niagara Springs Idaho
Niagara Springs
Me and Hubby
Me and Hubby

4 Responses

    1. I hope you find your way out soon. It’s a hard place to get stuck in. Try to spend less time on things you can’t change, and concentrate on the things you can control. Find new ways to do things you enjoy. Your car is a safe place. Get out and see new places within driving distance of home.

  1. I do love your logic. The word new normal is not something I like either. Your description works so much better. Miss seeing you and Craig this summer but it is just a summer

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