Creating a New Normal

It appears that many of us are going through possible changes: changes at work, feelings about the new economy, changes at home with housing and job loss.

I wanted to create this article to express the importance of making transition changes a little bit easier. We are all having our own personal experiences due to the constant changes in our country. How can we make it easier for ourselves? I want you to create a new normal. Don't get trapped in what it used to be like. It is like living in your shadow or like looking in the rear view mirror of your car - it's safe for driving temporarily. Creating a new normal is healthy because it allows you to live in the present moment of your life. It also allows you to create hope and/or optimism. Accepting the newness of change and not fighting it is the first step.

Why create a new normal?

1) It relieves you of looking over your shoulder of what could have been
2) It relieves you from stressful thoughts

3) You feel better because you are focused on the "now"

So as you go through changes, know that your new normal is just sitting there waiting for you. What do I mean by that? You may have had to downsize your house. You may be a qualified professional but had to take a lower paying job. Are you fighting it or accepting it? Do you have skills you can gain from the new position? All I want to convey is that no matter what the change is, we only have two choices we "embrace it or resist it". Have you ever heard the saying "Kicking and Screaming ? " I know that when I feel myself fighting with reality I picture myself kicking and screaming. Why? Because I am resisting the situation, even though I know it is best for me.

So when you think thoughts that create a visual of kicking and screaming, realize you are fighting with reality. Take a moment and ask yourself:

Is this part of my new normal?
Why am I kicking and screaming?
How long will I allow myself to kick and scream ?
Is it really something I want and is it good for me?
Can I change it? What can I change?

Choose to accept the new change even if it is not what you think you wanted. Sometimes we need to trust that the change that happened is moving our life in a new direction. Ronald Brill, was let go of his job in his 50s, just shy of retirement. He embraced that change as a new opportunity to create the largest home-improvement warehouse store, which is now Home Depot. Ever wonder what happened to Tiger Woods' performance in 2003-2004? He didn't win a single tournament. Not because he wasn't good anymore, but because he withdrew himself to improve his swing. He completely re-engineered his golf swing. He came back with an even better record than in previous years.

The next time you are confronted with a change in your life, take a look at this article and take one thing you believe will help create a new normal for you. When we stop fighting with ourselves, we immediately gain emotional wellness and a healthier life. Trust the change your life is going through, it could be your new normal.