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.
Stephanie Lipary says
I loved this.
Angela says
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.
Betsy says
It sounds like you are keeping joy in your mother’s life. So many seniors are forgotten.
Angela says
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.
Hilda says
You have so much to be grateful for❤ I wish my mother was still alive to spend time with.
Angela says
I know Hilda. So many people are less fortunate than me.
Tim Laird says
Thank you for helping us look at the present and knowing normal (today, this moment) will always be new.
Matthew De Joseph says
A lot of truth and comfort in this article! Thanks
Heather says
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.
Lucy says
I agree. Be kind. You never know what someone else is going through.
Rick H says
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.
Patricia Smith says
That was a beautiful piece of writing
Debbie says
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.
Richard says
Thanks so much, no truer words
Susan says
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