As a people, we are not who we were pre-COVID-19. I am not who I was pre-dysautonomia diagnosis. I don’t think we would have gone through all of this to remain as we were.
As we are re-emerging into new lives and routines, I think it’s worth reevaluating what living should look like. This has to be different for all of us.
Here are some of the things I’ll be working on to live more deliberately:
Boundaries
I’ve always worried about what other people think of me. I know that’s normal but it’s also selfish if it limits how I serve others. It’s time I drew a line in the sand. My energy will go towards walking my path considerately while not worrying about how others see me. I don’t want to worry about how people will respond to who I am and what I say or do. I’m ready to allow people to be who they are, where they are, even when they disagree with me – without dimming the truths of my spirit.
Callings
A light has been shed on callings for how I spend my limited energy and a big part of that is a desire to serve those who are sick and do not have support systems. I’m going to figure out what this looks like. Before illness, my calling was family first. I loved being with my kids, soaking them up, and putting their little feet on a good path. Well, they’re strolling down their own paths beautifully, and I feel led to take some new journeys myself. I wonder – what is calling you…
Surrender
One of our biggest learnings is surely that we are not in control as much as we thought. Our days are limited. Our health is not promised. Our finances can change overnight. God is the one constant we have, the compass that never fails, the comforter who never leaves your side. I will surrender to his will because I know he leads me down the path that is best for the growth of my soul.
I think a “new normal” sounds hard, but oh so beautiful.
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