Our idea of “normal” everyday life has changed. Drastically.
As we go through this time together, what will your “new normal” be? What will you take forward from this time?
Mid-March marked the beginning effects of COVID- 19 in North America. No matter what we were doing at the beginning of March, there is no chance that we could have predicted what the coming weeks and months would entail. For those of us who are fortunate enough to work from home, this new reality has been a massive change.
I’ve had many conversations over the phone and video conferencing with clients and touching base with friends. What has stood out to me through this time is how well we have adjusted. Many of these people are far busier than they were pre-COVID-19. The deadlines may be tighter; the funding of projects may have been impacted, the opportunities in some industries have spiked upwards, while others haven’t. Some people are juggling far more than they ever thought possible while managing to be productive.
The astounding element in all of this is how healthy some of these perspectives have been.
Positive Insights and Shifts That I’ve Noticed:
- Those who are connecting with their spouse in a whole new way. Experiencing how they truly are “in it together,” navigating the ups and downs as a team. Re-kindling the love.
- Those who have three square meals a day with their spouse and children. The immense pleasure and connection they get from these moments that they would never otherwise get – but for a family vacation. Many have found this to be grounding and enjoyable.
- Those who have a break in their workday and get outside to be active. Not feeling like they are chained to their desk. They are perhaps posting on Strava about their latest bike rides, mid-workday! Many people hide their passions from colleagues, being afraid to show others what really makes them tick, and how they spend time outside of work. What fuels them most.
- Those who have shifted their in-person business to offer video – finding join in what was once seen as scary and too vulnerable to face.
- Home-cooked, healthy food has a positive impact on mood and energy!
Everyone I have spoken to has shared what their greatest passions are. Seeing what matters most in life: Family, friends, health, the environment, type of career, etc.. The little things matter. We see this more clearly in challenging times.
What insights will you take from this time?
What do you want your new normal to look like?