Full disclosure, I’ve been struggling with “human-ing” as life starts to rev back up and return to “normal.” My sense is we’ve all forgotten how to be together and to interact, including me. I find myself torn between isolating in my cozy home and craving real connection and doing fun activities. 

Going back to “normal” isn’t all that appealing to me. Normal wasn’t so great in 
many ways, personally, locally, nationally or globally. 
Then I remembered y.a.h.o.o. - you always have other options.

So here are my top 10 to carry forward to the new normal:

1. Nurture Nature (and vice versa) - Nature has been my #1 saving grace this past year - gardening, hiking, birdsong, paddling. I take and get a lot from Mother Earth. Contrast that with historical fires, ice storms, droughts and floods, and it’s high time we give a little back. Driving less, consuming less, farmer’s markets are some of the things I will carry forward.

2. Ditch the Denial - We got real this year and talked about how things suck when it actually does suck. More honesty, please. We are only as sick as our secrets.

3. Dial Up Discernment - Ditching the people, places, things, ideas, behaviors and attitudes that do not serve my highest good (definitely including my own here!). Hello, thriving!

4. Science! Team Fauci 4Ever - Respecting and listening to experts. Not as some god-like beings, but because they have mastered their subject. There is lots of information out there that we can all consume and regurgitate. However, never confuse information with knowledge or wisdom.

5. Sit. Stay. - This one is two-fold. Meditating in the morning makes my day better, period. Whether you sit, chant, walk or write, do it. And more time with pets! According to the CDC (#4), they decrease blood pressure, cholesterol and feelings of loneliness, among others.

6. Put me in, Coach - Working with a coach has kept me focused, accountable and moving forward. I truly believe in coaching and will always have one.

7. You’re Grounded - Grounding my body and my energy every day, multiple times a day, has been transformational. I’m calmer, more clear headed and have more energy. Email me if you’d like a guided grounding meditation I recorded!

8. Easy Does It - Just when I think I’ve created enough space in my calendar for a gentle, nourishing pace, I find I need more. This past year showed me for sure that I do not want to abuse myself (yes, I said abuse) with back to back to back meetings and appointments and rushing here, there and everywhere all the time.

9. Dance Parties - Just one song will do the trick to move stagnant energy, clear your head, lift your mood and get your heart going. Here’s a playlist I created to rock your bad self ; there is something for everyone.

10. Observing a Sabbath - Taking a day, or part of a day, to ditch the devices, not have plans and just be is priceless. For me, it’s Sundays. This time is gold in terms of staying sane, being open to inspiration and being creative.

11. Bonus! Zooms with my brother - What started as a work-related thing became an intentional, cherished connection. Thanks, bro!

What will you carry forward?

xo

Janine