Embracing “Normal”

January is a weird time.

The holidays are over, and you're TIRED. From the holidays, because they are no joke. Especially if you have kids, because I don't, and I don't know how you do it.

But then your house has to be totally de-decorated, and then you have to clean it, because it's empty now, and then you try to figure out how to live in a house completely devoid of holly jolly comfort and joy.

Ok, I'm kidding about the last part.

But like, what do you do about the fact that last week your house was warm and glowed and twinkled with cheer and now it's dark, and cold, and...normal.

For me, it takes almost all of January to get my head screwed back on properly, because I definitely spent the last four months with seasonally themed decor, activities and things to do, and with holiday cheer greeting me every time I walk through the door. And now all that is gone, with nothing really replacing it.

January is when everyone goes from Christmas 24/7 to New Years and goals in approximately five minutes and ya girl needs some time to adjust.

Adjusting to a different season, adjusting to a new year, adjusting to a different atmosphere in my home (this wasn't a big deal until I spent almost all my time at home, but here we are), and adjusting back to life as it is during the "normal" months of the year.

I could even delve into how "normal" doesn't really exist anymore, as we're all trying our best to redefine what "normal" looks like. But I won't, because we've all been in that boat for far too long, and you all know exactly how this feels.

So what do I do?

I take care of myself. I do what I can to take care of my family. I do normal stuff. With a little bit of grace mixed in.

I get up and I do things that make me feel good. I make healthy meals so my stomach isn't upset or bloated.

I exercise. Sometimes a lot, and sometimes just 20 minutes of yoga. Whatever I feel would be best.

I redecorate with year-round stuff. I think of the projects I want to do for the house this year, and plan them out.

I think of the trips I want to take, and see if they're doable. I browse travel deals, because I love to travel and it makes me happy. Even if I don't actually go, I love to explore and plan trips.

I read. I read books that I didn't have time to read during December. I go over my "Want to Read" list, and I add to it. I use Goodreads, and I like it a lot. Check it out here.

I binge Netflix dramas when I feel like it. Sometimes I'm stressy and tired and just want to chill and do something mindless, so I do.

I write this blog. Even when I don't know what to say, or how to show up. It's become a normal thing for me to do, and so I write, every single week.

I'm not always productive, and I'm not always restful, but that's okay. It's normal.

In a world where we're all just doing our best to find and accept our new normal, that's enough.

Whatever it is that you're doing to redefine your normal, it's enough.

Whatever you’re doing to take care of yourself and your family, it’s enough.

You are enough. Normal will figure itself out.

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:7-9

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2