A new word for ‘Normal’.

Wherever you are in the world, you’ve been impacted by the pandemic. I guess that’s what a global pandemic is, everyone around the globe is affected.

We’ve all dealt with this in our own way, and there is no right or wrong way to move through this dramatic and upending life event. For some, there has been immeasurable loss. For others, a fresh and revitalized perspective and approach to their day to day being. Their day to day living.

After the initial shock, and time to grieve the loss of what was, I found peace in the pause. The traffic lessened, the noise of busyness that gets amplified as we move from days’ beginning to days’ end softened. Our awareness of what matters most became sharper, and we moved through our days with a greater sense of gratitude for what we have. Our consumption was reduced and our environment was given a few fleeting moments to pause (producing cleaner, fresher air and beautiful mountains were in clear view due to the reduction of smog).

This is rare. And it often requires a significant, dramatic and life altering event to have this kind of awakening.

It was – and still is for many – a pause. Followed by a global reset.

This awakening came in stages for me. First, like many, was the initial shock, followed by a sudden and swift feeling of grief and loss. Which was quickly followed by a hunger and thirst for learning, filling my days with books, podcasts, virtual training, etc. I know others experienced the same. We shared it and have had a few chuckles about all the things we ‘signed up for.’ It was equally hilarious and humbling to know I was not the only one with this reaction and response.

One thing I’ve heard time and again is the phrase, ‘Our new normal.’ There is no going back to the way things were. We are forever changed from this global experience. This statement is often associated with thoughts of commuting, working, travelling, consumption, entertainment choices, etc. Nod your head if you’ve recently heard the phrase, ‘new normal’. Keep nodding if you’ve said it yourself.

But what is ‘normal’ really?

Personally, I have a great disliking for the word ‘normal’. I have for quite some time. It’s a word that implies there is a particular way to be, to do, to feel that is the preset standard of our being. I don’t believe that to be so. To say something is normal means that anything outside of that realm must be abnormal.

Not so, in my mind.

Yes, granted (and agreed) it does have some relevance in science or mathematics. But lets for a moment refer to the definition. For ease of reference, here’s the definition according to Dictionary.com

Normal: conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural. Serving to establish a standard.

Yeah, no.

I don’t like that word at all. Especially since the word ‘conformity’ is also attached to the definition.

In Psychology – the adjective for normal is ‘free from any mental disorder; sane.’

I can guarantee with a definition like that, I am getting no closer to having any affection for the word.

Not at all.

So. What is normal? Who gets to determine it?

What is normal for one person, may not be for another. Does that make one of them abnormal? By its definition, it appears so. Or so it seems.

Which normal is the real, true, authentic normal? See where I’m going? So, if our normals are different, and we each can decide what ‘normal’ is for us, by nature of that alone, the word loses all sense of credibility and meaning. Doesn’t it?

Instead of saying ‘normal’, I’d rather refer to it as a ‘way of being’.

So, instead of saying ‘our new normal’, I’m going to start with “our new way of being’. It’s simple. It’s not too heavy. It’s says what it needs to say, without all the added tarnished descriptors.

We each get to decide what our new way of being is. Mine may be different than yours, and yours from others. And here’s the fun part….none are considered abnormal. How wonderful is that?

What does your new way of being look like?

With gratitude,

Nicole Osmond

Customer Success Coach

As a Customer Success Coach and 3 X business owner, I am living my passion and helping companies succeed by cultivating a customer committed mindset.

A Writer with Heart – I weave words together to stimulate, elevate, and motivate. My blog is my canvas to share my ‘experience nuggets’ with you! Thanks for stopping by! With gratitude, always – Nicole