The New Normal

After months of diligent effort and considerable financial outlay, I have, at long last, achieved my goal and received my reward...the Starbucks Gold Card.  After the whirlwind of excitement upon achieving said accomplishment and finally being able to take advantage of all the exclusive benefits, you can imagine my complete and utter discouragement upon discovering that I have....... a dairy allergy.  And, let's face it, what is coffee without the cream, the cafe without the latte??  Yes, I realize Starbucks has tea and (gulp) soy milk, but those things just don't provide the same comfort as a tall ristretto sugar-free cinnamon dulce breve latte with whip.   (Side note: my theory is that Starbucks fills a need in all of us formula-fed babies that breast-fed babies just don't understand.)

So, now I face the challenge of what I like to call 'The New Normal'.  Things are constantly changing, and we have to change with them or pay the price, whatever that may be.  I have to discover and, maybe one day, learn to love cheese-less pizza and coconut milk ice cream.  My son, who has been homeschooled since first grade, has to learn how to thrive in an online college classroom.  My daughter, whose friends are beginning to branch off with their significant others, has to find a way to meet new people, while maintaining her current friendships.  My husband, who is starting a new company at age 50, is discovering how to balance his current job, the new business and his many relationships with friends and family.  Even our little old dog, Piggy, who recently broke off several teeth, including the last of her canines, will have to learn to chew in the back.

I guess my point is that life is always changing, and always will change, no matter how much we want to stay in our comfort zones.  Kids grow up and move, aging parents pass away, jobs change, illnesses may come, and life is never static.  The key to a happy life lies in dealing with the New Normal.  One trick I've discovered is to set a goal to make it through the next two weeks. Just survive for two weeks.  For many of life's minor changes and challenges, two weeks is enough time to set new boundaries around that comfort zone.  Obviously, major life crises may take months or even years in which to adapt. 

Sometimes, you may even be hit on multiple sides of your comfort zone at once.  It's at these times, especially, that I've found that getting into the zone with the God of all comfort, is the only place where I truly find peace when life gives me lemons.  Ultimately, He leads me to the New Normal. 

Lemonade, anyone?