People wonder if the current situation, whether it has to do with covid, the economy, politics, or climate, is our new normal, others can’t wait to get back to normal, whatever that is.
“Normal” is based on what we’re used to, our routines, the people we see, places we go, and the plans we make. New normal sounds scary because we’re afraid of losing control of our decisions about those things.
Actually, we all have adjusted to new normal many times. Children’s lives are proscribed by parents and teachers. When we become teenagers, we are given, or demand, more autonomy. Enrolling in college or entering the workplace ushers in a new normal, as does marriage, becoming a parent, or moving to a new community.
Life is about constantly being made uncomfortable in order to become more effective humans. It’s comprised of acceptance, compromise, learning, taking on responsibility, and letting go. The good news is that we can do this, after all, we’ve had lots of practice. The bad news is that we’re not going to like changing what has become comfortable and feels safe.
Making transitions is less painful when we take responsibility for our own decisions and let others do the same. Listening to constant chatter that decrees how we should live is confusing, and confusion leads to fear. We always have options, and a sense of autonomy enables us to make better decisions.
Since I’ve been vaccinated, and follow my medical provider’s advice in regard to prevention, I choose to go places that don’t require a mask. If I must avail myself of a service that has a mask mandate, I comply. No sense complicating the situation with complaints. This decision limits me somewhat. I won’t be getting on an airplane or shopping in certain stores, but that’s ok. It’s my choice, and choosing to choose keeps me at peace. That said, I certainly have no business stating an opinion about those who choose to mask, or get on a plane. They too get to choose, and choice is the foundation of freedom.
I grew up when it was normal for parents to limit children’s activities for fear of polio. A nurse came to school to administer smallpox shots. My parents opted me out so I went around feeling smug while my friends had sore arms. Fresh fruit and vegetables were available only in summer, and today we take it for granted that what we want will be in stores all year long.
It’s annoying when certain items are unavailable, or have long wait lists. Amazon may have what I want, but one of my values is to shop local because I want our communities to thrive. So, I choose another product, do without, or wait in line. Maybe what I’m looking for is available secondhand, or in a thrift store. And maybe I don’t need that item at all. Being forced to stop and think isn’t a bad thing.
This summer of drought and wildfires is a repeat of other years, but in between those times we’ve had excessive rain. Some winters are open, others bury us in blizzards.
There was once an ocean where we live; later an ice age. Dinosaurs disappeared. The only normal is change. Get used to it, and live your life.