By Rebecca van Noppen, Communications Director
The New Normal. It’s hard to miss that catch phrase these days, as we enter the re-opening phases of our economy and society as a whole.
But really. What does “normal” mean? What then does the “new normal” mean? From my limited perspective I would simply say it is not going back to what we were doing three months ago – in our jobs, in our families, in our finances. Perhaps our priorities will change? Perhaps what we believe will change?
I for one, love working from home. This shift to the at-home work environment has brought more peace and rest in my life. That is a “new normal” I want to capture. I don’t want to be gone from my family like I was in 2019.
That change in my schedule however, will need to be figured out and weighed against the needs at the office and in our business, and whether or not things will “open up” in the way they were before Covid-19. It will take some intentional thought, conversation and planning.
Shopify’s CEO Tobi Lutke echoed these thoughts earlier this month. He was quoted as saying, “COVID is challenging us all to work together in new ways. We choose to jump in the driver’s seat, instead of being passengers to the changes ahead.” (https://www.ottawamatters.com/local-news/we-cannot-go-back-to-the-way-things-were-shopify-extends-office-closure-to-2021-2366698?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook)
Consequently, Shopify is keeping its offices closed until 2021 so that it can “rework them for this new reality”, Lutke tweeted on Thursday, May 21st.
On our podcast this week, Dave and I talk about the “new normal” and how important it is for each of us to be part of the decisions and options unfolding before us. Yet, we know so very little about how the next six months – to a year – will unfold for us. We can guess how school will be run in September, or how restaurants and salons will open up, but we really have very few “definites”. There are still so many unknowns, as we wonder how to “create the new normal”.
But in our discussions at home and at More Than Enough, Dave and I have come up with a few ideas that may help us navigate “creating the new normal”, walking this new intentional road. Like Lutke says, we want to be in the driver’s seat not merely passengers to the changes ahead.
Our “new normal” will need to be prayerfully considered.
As a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, we want to follow his example and lean into our Heavenly Father for insight, peace, and wisdom about our finances, our jobs, and our families. This takes “set-apart” time to pray, read Scripture, journal, and listen for God’s direction
Our “new normal” will need intentional discussions and conversations.
Talking about what is happening, and our response to what is happening, can be difficult when stress is high. However, these conversations with our spouses, children, family and friends are so important. We may be looking for new work, or deciding to close a business, or wondering about the best options for further education. We need to talk about what we are thinking, including our fears and plans, offering support to one another as we do so.
Our “new normal” will need intentional planning.
Perhaps this will mean meeting for intentional financial dates where we sit down with our spouses or families, and get a big picture of where we are at in our current financial realities. Some decisions will need to be made. Hopes and dreams shared. Write them down. Make lists. Some ideas we keep. Others we throw away. When so many future details are unclear, making plans is hard to do. But as we make them prayerfully with the wisdom of God, He will give us the grace to navigate even our planning.
Our “new normal” will need accountability.
It’s important to find someone to talk to and help us stay on track financially. If we are in debt, and one of our goals is to build an emergency cushion or tackle a credit card debt, telling someone helps us walk that journey to financial freedom. It takes courage to talk about our money journeys, but we all need the support. At More Than Enough, we have coaches that walk with people on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, asking questions and helping people stay focused.
So here’s to the “new normal”. Welcome to the driver’s seat.