As we begin our passage to a post-pandemic world, could we all be in a process of rebirthing ourselves, like caterpillars going through a metamorphosis that transforms us into our butterfly selves? I actually think we might. That’s my sense of things lately. I find myself and other people I know and work with starting to come out of a difficult and even dark place. There’s a budding in process, not unlike the spring we’re all experiencing right now.
The weather, time and tone feels like we’re unfolding ourselves into the next version of who we are, and all within the context of this new post-pandemic world. And a lot has changed, something we’re all also grappling with in terms of meaning and what to do with this new information. I’ve found myself feeling fatigued and even sleeping more than usual. But I realize I have to roll with this experience because, as the world begins returning to a faster pace, I personally have to adjust to this new energy. It’s the reverse of what happened when the pandemic first hit. Remember that time? We had to slow down, stop seeing family and friends, stop going to work, out to restaurants, theater, sporting events, and we stopped traveling.
That process of adjustment took time, and this one of re-entry into our new realities is no different. It’s going to take time, and I already see I have to be gentle with myself as I adjust. And that’s not easy for a pusher like me. Yeah, I can admit that as not pretty as it is.
So what’s changed? Is life and the world we’re living in really all that different than it was one year ago?
Well, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. The world is different. We’re different. And I believe we’re just now starting to get a sense of our new world, and who that new person is we’re seeing in the mirror when we wake up each morning.
I’m still brushing my teeth and flossing every morning. Okay, sometimes I miss the flossing part, but I’m working on it. And please don’t tell my dentist, he’ll have my head. There’s also the vanilla yogurt with fresh raspberries , blueberries, and a dash of my new life. Wait, how did new life get into my yogurt?! I thought I ordered granola.
Ready or not, we’re all stepping into a new world, and it’s a place we’ve never been before. We’re actually people we’ve never been before. So, take a moment and really think about this. Who are you now? How have you changed? How has the world changed? And how do you want to show up in this new configuration of planet earth? And maybe even more or most important, how can you show up each day in a way that honors and cares for you and who you are now?
I don’t think there’s anything original about what I’m writing here, but rather I’m hoping in my asking questions, not only do I, but those of you reading this get to begin exploring and maybe even defining this newest version of you.
And isn’t it time for a new adventure? Haven’t you been trapped in your house for long enough? I’m getting on a flight this week to go see a dear friend of mine who I haven’t seen in over a year. It’s probably the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other for the past thirty years. Of course, that’s been the norm this past year. What’s not normal is the two of us. She’s different and so am I. My friend said she’s been thinking over some big changes and wants to share them with me. I have a few things to share as well about where I’m heading. Clearly change is afoot, and we’re going to have a lot to talk about.
How many of us will say the same thing to loved ones who we haven’t seen in a very long time? I’ve changed, you’ve changed, we’ve all changed, like a lot. And now we’re going to go about the process of rolling out what this change actually means and to the process of bringing it into our physical world realities.
As I said earlier, go easy. Be kind to yourself. Pace yourself. Give yourself time and space to unfold your new self, your new life, and your new way of being and interacting in the world. And remember, we’re all going to do this differently. Respect each other. Give yourself and those around you the dignity of their own process. It’s going to take some time to adjust, to break in these new shoes so to speak, and the process might hurt for a bit, but ultimately, it’s going to look and feel authentic for who we are now, in this new time and in this new place. Welcome here. We made it. Take a deep breath, acknowledge yourself, and know the universe has something beautiful in store for you. Just look to nature and what’s blooming around you. There’s a divine beauty and grace at play. Enjoy it all!
Barry Alden Clark is a writer and professional life coach. His work is focused on helping people live their best lives by acting as a guide for them to connect more deeply with their internal life force where creativity, purpose, and true freedom reside, while using humor, compassion, and kindness as hallmarks for the process of personal evolution. Recently Barry published his first book, “Living Life Now: Ingredients for Thriving In The Modern World,” now available on Amazon, and launched his new podcast “Living Life Now,” available on iTunes, Spotify and Google Music. You can reach Barry at www.barryaldenclark.com.
Image courtesy of Monstera.
