There comes a time in life, when "We sense that normal (as we knew it) isn't coming back, that we are being born into a new normal: a new kind of society, a new relationship to the earth, a new experience of being human." While this quote by Charles Epstein was stated in 2018, I feel it has meaning for the here and now.
What we knew has changed.
The recognition that life has changed comes at a time when we least expected it. The new normal takes us in a direction to strengthen the WE of this nation but the pathway is not an easy one to maneuver. We need resilience, fortitude, and a relentless spirit of positivity. The stresses resulting from the pandemic are spreading like wildfire across the globe. I pause to set my day.
What we knew has changed.
Life has slowed down.
Families are alone, isolated from each other.
Streets are quiet as people try to find a new way to live.
MORNING THOUGHT
The sun is shining today
alleviating the somber gray tone I've seen.
It's time to find strength and search for ways to surrender the ME
as we collectively strengthen the WE.
☵
Each year since March 2015, I have engaged in Two Writing Teacher's Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge. Slicing allows me to ponder life, literacy, and learning, capturing small moments poetically through writing, photography, and digital art. Welcome to Day 18 of 31 days of writing with Two Writing Teachers.
I feel like we are living in a TV Movie of the Week. I can't help but wonder what the new normal will look like when this is all over. The shining sun gives hope.
ReplyDeleteI went for a walk with my family this afternoon and the nature marina was as beautiful as last year. It seemed that nothing changed but so much has. I am going to slice about it. You are right about the TV Movie of the Week. I often think that. Let us continue to hope.
DeleteThis is a beautiful and hopeful post. It also is giving the reader permission to understand that such a transition is difficult. I feel like I am mourning the loss of the normal, much like I do when I am ill. I wrote about a similar topic today. Thank you for the inspiring words.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by. I wish I knew who wrote this.
DeleteMay you find lots of peace. I also appreciated your inspiring and beautiful words
ReplyDeleteTrina, this afternoon our walk at the marine preserve was so restful. Thanks for stopping by, Trina.
DeleteThat quote is so fitting. The world has changed at an astounding pace. I desperately want us to get back to normalcy, but the uncertainty of if, when, and what that new normal will look like is very stressful. I wish you and your family as many moments of peace as you can possibly find during this trying time.
ReplyDeleteLisa, Who knows what normal will look like in a few months, Lisa. All we can do is have faith and hope for a better world. Maybe a lesson that will come out of this is to find peace in the ordinary moments in life.
DeleteI agree, Carol: our language matters, including our pronouns. And new experiences demand new language.
ReplyDeleteBrian, thanks for always posing a thought that leads me to think further on a subject.
DeleteCarol, so much has changed. I love your positive outlook. I read a quote by C.S. Lewis that I loved about what we should be found doing during difficult times. It reminds me of your assertion that we need to surrender the me to collectively strengthen the we. Walks are the best medicine to find peace and destress.
ReplyDeleteMy walk yesterday brought a respite from TV news and constant talk of COVID-19, Ramona, and that is good.
Delete"New normal" - sounds similar to "It is what it is." I still hope it will go back to the old normal, not that the old was always wonderful and flawless.
ReplyDeleteWe can hope for a smooth transition from old to new. Our governor came on today noting that the next phase will be different than we are used to (but that is not necessarily bad). Let's find the positives.
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