Countdown to Normal

I had this published to a website that is the bee's knees! It is called Takes a break (https://www.takesabreak.com/) It was started by these two amazing women that fully understood the need for mental health breaks during your day. Kristia and Shelby started this site because there was a need, Takes a Break supports and elevates through the power of connection, story, and genuine intention. And honestly, who does not need that! This is the first in a series so take a gander and let me know. In the end, we need the support of others, both close and casual to navigate this awesome roller coaster called life! Enjoy!

In this time of renewal and introspection, many of us seek the chance to decompress with loved ones and celebrate something most of us take for granted. Life.

We do this in so many ways it seems that we as beings are always looking for ways to avoid focusing on the one thing we should always keep an eye on. Living.

We allow work, family, hobbies, worries, pressures . . . etc. to control that one thing we actually can control. Our focus.

Is it fear? Is it our wanting of something else? Is it because we focus so much on the brushstrokes that we forget the whole picture? Basically, yes.

Whatever the reason, we all do it. So much can change if we allow life to move forward without any real guidance.

Just 3 years ago, I was a different person.

2 years ago, everything changed. Or so I thought at the time. It felt as if my anchor was removed and I was lost with no ability to gain my bearings.

1 year ago, the world shifted, and I saw that things can, in fact, get worse, even when I do not believe in the possibility.

7 months ago, I took a leap to change my direction.

1 month ago, I questioned my decision.

1 week ago, I was settled in and saw hope.

1 day ago, I realized that I was still trying to control that which was not mine to dictate.

1 hour ago . . .

1 minute ago . . .

Just now . . .

Somewhere along the line, I had a few realizations that have allowed me to focus on that which is most important and cherish that which deserves cherishing.

All because I finally understood what normal actually meant. What it meant to get back to normal.

According to Merriam-Webster, normal is synonymous with “regular,” “typical,” and “natural.” It is defined as “being of the sort or kind that is expected, as usual, ordinary, or average,” and can mean “conformity to a rule, standard, or pattern.”

That sounds well and good, but what I learned was that the focus needs to be true to find YOUR normal. We often believe that normal is the total or all-encompassing ideal that there is only ONE normal.

I do not believe this is the case. I believe that you can focus on yourself. I believe that focus will establish YOUR normal.

Thank you.