Embrace Your New Normal

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Have you ever had to learn to embrace your new normal? A while ago, I decided to make a radical change in my schedule. It was a hard decision, but it allowed me to create margin in my day. And that margin helped me take back the peace that had been lost after going through a season of loss.

Humans should schedule more sanity breaks!

I decided to take a long writing break to maintain what was left of my sanity. My blog and Facebook page had several posts that had gone viral at the time. I had finally made the successful transition as a secular author with a long track record of published works under my maiden name to being published in the Christian realm under my married name. I know God was calling me to let it all go, even though it had taken so much effort to get me to a place of “success.”

But I was a mess. I had nothing left to give.

Embrace your new normal when nothing in the world seems like it’s going right!

It’s amazing how you can go through life with a plan, and then something turns your world upside down. You’re left with a whole bunch of emotions that you simply aren’t equipped to handle.

We know a little something about that right now with this Covid-19 crisis, don’t we?

In a nutshell, I was stressed out. burnt out. And tired of doing all the things. Know what I mean?

When you’re tired of doing all the things, turn to Jesus.

He’s got your back!

Ever feel like you are burning the candle at both ends, and it’s time to escape from the world?

Embrace your new normal when life gets hard.

The upside-down world that results from unexpected loss can seriously mess you up unless you continue to place your identity in the King.

When you’re in those seasons remember to simply rest in Jesus. Claim victory in Christ despite the chaos around you.

A wise pastor friend of mine reminded me that God often allows hard things for His glory, and that it’s ok to be authentic with the Lord about our disappointments. That means getting real with Jesus, y’all. Screaming hissy fits and all. Just let it out.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28

Embrace your new normal! Don’t run and hide from the world when life gets hard!

At one point, that’s exactly what l did. I escaped. Literally, I hid. In a closet, of all places, just hoping that in the darkness, the quiet, and the peace I found there would transfer over to me.

For the record, it didn’t. Mostly because I chose a closet that needed some serious organizing. So I got out of the closet, cleaned it up, and then went back to dealing with life.

Life is not something we can really escape, despite our best Netflix binges, online shopping sprees, and chocolate splurges. I’ve tried. It doesn’t work. Sure, it works for a little while, but before you know it, reality sets in, and it’s time to face our problems again. Plus, you have to buy bigger pants if you go on lamenting for too long. And ain’t nobody got time or money for that crazy!

God created each of us for a uniquely beautiful purpose.

How often do you run from your purpose? You choose instead to fill yourself with so many “todos” when you need to pause and rest in Him.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Matthew 11: 28-30 NLT

Lately, my to-do list has been pretty empty. Yours probably has too!

There have been more opportunities for solitude and quiet moments to reflect during this pandemic. More opportunities to spend more time in the Word. Hopefully, you have taken advantage of this downtime a bit to just pause and lean in to hear from that Still Small Voice.

Embrace your new normal.

My favorite little person says I’ve got my zing back.

I didn’t realize that I lost my zing, by the way. Or that I ever had any zing to begin with. I don’t really know what zing is. But it sounds good!

Embrace your zing!

Have you figured out any good nuggets of wisdom in your trials lately?

Here’s what I have figured out so far…
I am still a work in progress.
I will always be a work in progress.
And guess what? You are a work in progress too! 

We’re all a little broken, and that’s okay.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 6-7 NLT

Don’t let a chaotic world stop you from being all that God created you to be!

Embrace your calling. Work through your trials. Find people who love and support you. Celebrate your success. Grieve your failures. Learn from your mistakes. Share your truth. Let your wisdom bless others!

Be the special person God created YOU to be!

Invest time in God’s Word. Develop a deeper relationship with your Savior. Guard your heart and mind. Embrace the peace that comes from leaning on Jesus. Let go of your self-doubt and anxiety. Embrace being all that He has created you to be!

I created a 5-day grace challenge that can help you begin to unlock all the beauty that God made when He created you. You can sign up below or go here for more details.

Take gentle care of yourself today. ツ