Crazy times we’re living in. Can I offer a helpful thought?
I’ve been hearing a lot of conversations about “the new normal,” and how life is never going to go back to the way it was before. One person recently wrote to me, “I’m beginning to realize life is never going to be the same.”
And they are right.
We have all been asked (or forced) to change our present reality. Getting used to our new reality, both in the short-term and the long-term, is going to take some time. No doubt, there have been significant changes and will be many more.
But I want to offer you a helpful reminder today:
Your life was never going to be the same tomorrow as it is today.
“Normal” was always going to be different and new.
Our world is constantly changing and our lives are constantly changing. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Sometimes small and incremental, sometimes abrupt and significant. Sometimes because we desire change, sometimes because change is forced upon us.
But life is constantly changing.
I can tell you that my life today is a lot different than it was one year ago. My life one year ago was very different than it was five years ago or 15 years ago. And the world has changed a whole lot during that time as well.
The only constant in life is change. And “normal” tomorrow was always going to be different than normal today.
Normal is always new.
It is our responsibility to live in the present and make the most of our circumstances—whatever they look like today and whatever they look like tomorrow.
We accept the good, we accept the bad, and we make the most of the season right in front of us—regardless of how it looks today or tomorrow. That is our responsibility to ourselves and the constantly changing world around us.
Stay healthy, stay well, stay focused. We’ll get through this together.
I just had this discussion with my 11 year old daughter yesterday. Life is change, she growing up and turning into a woman, that change is a beautiful thing. My relationship with my husband is changing too as we get older and our child is less dependent on us. Even when things go smoothly life changes. It’s ok to have difficult days and in recent times, difficult years. Being grateful for my friends and family has helped me get through the rougher times.
Thank you for your wonderful writings, they help me clear out some of the things in my life that can weigh me down.
Pema Chodron in“The Places That Scare You”, says, “We can try to control the uncontrollable by looking for security and predictability, always hoping to be comfortable and safe. But, the truth is, that we can never avoid uncertainty. This not knowing is part of the adventure, and it’s also what makes us afraid.” We’re in a time of great groundlessness and upheaval. It’s also a time of deep learning. I’m very concerned about all the ones who are suffering now financially and/or medically. I also pray that we as a human race can learn much from this global crisis.
Looooooove it ! Thank youu !! :)
Thank you. After a hair raising day, this is nice to read before heading to bed! We found out a couple weeks ago we have to move. Our land lord is moving back into his house after renting to us for 5 years. Reading this tonight is keeping me from coming unglued…..I have a deep faith, and so grateful for everything I have in my life, especially my family and friends. I put my trust in my Higher Power and it’s nice to have earth angles helping in the process. And I consider you, one of my earth angels. Enjoy your blog. Thank you!
What a great reminder! I used to try to keep things “normal” under my control, ha! When I went through a divorce 8 years ago, a lot of change was forced on me. I turned for help to a ministry called Celebrate Recovery, it’s not just for addicts. It helped me to place my life into the one thing that doesn’t change, God’s hands! I was a Christian before but learning to completely trust Jesus has given me so much peace! Especially right now.
Only God is the same— yesterday, today and forever!
And that is the best news in these changing times! ???
Thank you. This has really been bothering me. “The new normal.” But no! My nephew will not ALWAYS be changing taking his clothes off in the garage and plopping then into the washing machine, then going straight in the door to the shower and clean clothes, before he sees his kids, because he’s been working the COVID Unit. This is normal for NOW. But as you say, another day perhaps another normal.
This is beautiful and true.
Wishing your nephew continued strength as he serves.
I needed to hear this today! Thank you
Thank you for this article.. I only wish that the whole entire world would be able to read it as well… you are making a big difference in the life of others… thanks again
God gives me one day at a time. It is a gift for me to unwrap and each day is a change but we do have the opportunity to choose. I’ve been gifted with eyes to see, whether it’s words on a page, the smile on my hubby’s face, or sighting a squirrel drinking from our birdbath; ears to hear the sounds of nature and of man and lips for me to choose wisely what comes out of my mouth. Embrace each day we have no control over our tomorrow.
I like how I can count on your writing to always lead the way to light and greater wisdom. As a Christian, I appreciate the tradition you come from and I like how your writing is pertinent to all traditions, very inclusive. Your style is just simple enough, too, and concise so as to calm and let the reader relax and breathe. So thank you very much for your good work!
Wonderful reminder.
I’m so grateful someone taught me long ago,
“The only normal in my house is a cycle on the washing machine.”
Makes me think of an old hymn: “Life is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand; Put your hope in things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand.”
Never heard that hymn. Thanks for the tip. I will look it up to savor today!
I loved this.
Of course, tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us.
My life hasn’t changed very much for the last few years.
Since my elderly Mum doesn’t drive anymore I have been doing her shopping each week. Also some chores for her. I also take her out to a local beauty spot once a week in the better weather with another relative. My husband also brings her to our house for dinner on a Saturday. That has been fairly constant for sometime now.
I knew someday that would change.
For me being at home isn’t a problem in itself.
Will life be the same again? I doubt it.
I pray everyday. Keep safe everyone.
It sounds like you are keeping joy in your mother’s life. So many seniors are forgotten.
I’ve been fortunate, Mum and my late Dad were always kind parents. I will always be grateful for the enormous part they played in my life.
You have so much to be grateful for❤ I wish my mother was still alive to spend time with.
I know Hilda. So many people are less fortunate than me.
Thank you for helping us look at the present and knowing normal (today, this moment) will always be new.
A lot of truth and comfort in this article! Thanks
Josh, I absolutely love your emails and the write ups you do. Thank you!
It’s so true about “our normal” it’s always changing. Which, like you said can be all types of change – good, bad – but whatever it is we are constantly changing.
I believe everyone should learn to be who they want to be and don’t worry about what everyone else thinks or what everyone else is doing. Just do you! Be happy and stay kind – you never know what someone else is going through.
I agree. Be kind. You never know what someone else is going through.
This reminds me of a line from a classic Rush song that goes ‘No changes are permanent – but change is’. Thanks for your continued wise, kind words Joshua.
That was a beautiful piece of writing
Our CEO challenged all employees to sit down and write out who they want to be during this time and write down the things you need to do to be that person. Not just work but in all aspects of life. This is a time we can slow down and take stock. We can’t be in control of all the things that will change, but we can be the managers of our own lives.
Thanks so much, no truer words
Yes our lives will be diffetent to a point ,some will be better n some will be worse depending how you want your life flourish or not,your choice ,your life. Nip