I wonder how many of you are in my boat.
I thought I would have created a “new” me last year, but so much stuff got in the way.
I’m not talking about a physical makeover.
I’m talking about a mental takeover.
Even though we thought it would be different, in 2021, we were all still dealing with the COVID pandemic and its variations.
All I did was wait and hope it would all end.
I wanted everything to go back to normal.
I spent 2021 just focusing on maintaining my sanity while missing my active social life, visiting with family and friends, and eating out at my favorite restaurants.
Now, we’re in 2022. Will it be more of the same?
I’ve accepted that there’s no going back to the “2019” normal.
I’ve accepted I need to adapt to the “new” 2022 normal.
I’ve accepted our new reality is evolving as we live it.
The bottom line is…there’s a different paradigm living with a pandemic.
I have my moments where I want to do a “full-face” makeup, put on my “after 5” glamour, and go to a ballet, a Broadway show, or an opera.
I have my moments where I want to call my SisterGirlfriends and head south to the Galveston seawall to hang out for Sunday Brunch at the Hotel Galvez.
I have my moments where I want to head off to one of my writing retreats with a group of my creative writing pals.
And, I have too many moments where I want to jump on a cruise ship or a plane to jet off to some exotic international destination.
But I can’t. Because mentally, I’m not ready.
And, to get ready, to evolve into a new “me,” I need to be intentional.
I need to regroup my internal emotions since I can’t control society’s external factors.
I can only be intentional in how I cope with those external factors.
The focus needs to be on spiritual growth and relational growth because, at my phase in life, these are the things most important to help me.
So, let’s not wait and hope in 2022.
Let’s be intentional in pushing forward and adapting to our new, inevitable reality.
QUESTION: How will you be intentional in 2022?
I believe that those of us in this season of life can relate. I find myself dreaming of carefree outings of days gone by, only to realize things have changed as I awaken.
The reality for me is that all I can control is me. I take what I need to protect myself and others, and head out. I am very thankful that the outcome has been positive this far.
I look forward to going out with friends without the concern of whether or not it’s safe. I look forward to returning to some sense of normalcy, but until then, baby steps, one intentional step at a time.