So, what IS Normal anyway?

Posted on by Miriam

We thought we knew what normal was.

It’s defined in the Oxford dictionary as … “conforming to a standard, usual, typical or expected. “

We thought that working long hours, racing around, paying bills and fulfilling obligations and responsibilities was typical. We thought it was expected but have we been living an illusion?

We look forward to holidays and weekends away but ultimately most of us live on a tread mill. We rarely question that we’re caught in a pendulum that’s kept us enslaved operating within a system. Sound familiar?

WHEN NORMAL DISAPPEARS

Then Covid hit, the world paused and our “normal” disappeared. Suddenly we had all this time to reflect on what it all meant. My husband was among many who lost his job. Many lost much more. Now, months later, he has a new job but has the pendulum shifted? Is there more to life?

WHEN LIFE IS NOT NORMAL

I think we’d agree that a life with no human contact, no hugs, no real life hobbies, no leisure pursuits, no pubs, no handshakes and masked up until God knows when ever we get a vaccine … is not normal.

Here in Melbourne the restrictions are lifting and retail, cafes and restaurants are operating again, with new rules in place. Melbourne is slowly waking from its slumber and by mid November we should be free to move further than 25kms. I can’t wait to see my daughter again.

Still, there’s an underlying sense of more change and transformation beyond what we can see and imagine. Beneath the surface of ambiguity, contradiction and nonsensical mandates is something even greater. A massive spiritual awakening.

SO, WHAT’S THIS NEW NORMAL?

I’ve realised there is no normal.
There is no new normal.
There is only now.
And it’s an incredible time to be here.

In my world I know how I want to live.

Everything comes down to free will and choice. It’s time we realised we all have the power to think, be and create anything we want in this life.

THE NOW

Our real power is in this moment. Where we are right now. Feeling all the emotions and accepting wherever we are. Understanding we ARE safe and grounded. Ultimately that’s what’s important. And that’s where we have the power.

THE TREE

The tree is the epitome of strength isn’t it? Grounded, staunch, reaching for the heavens yet rooted to the earth.

When I walk I feel connected to the towering giants that I pass. If they could speak, I wonder what they’d tell us. Perhaps it would be, ‘don’t give your power away. Be whimsical, sway and laugh more’

Dorothy McLean gives us a few ideas. She says “we are not just the little trees we see in the garden. We are denizens of magnificent species, of great hills and the sun and the wind …”

“We put up with being hedges but always in our inner being is a growing discord of sun kissed places where we stand out in ranges.”

“You feel in us an almost intolerable longing to be fully ourselves … we have our dreams planned out throughout the ages and we feel it’s wrong in our likeness that we are not allowed to “be” because of man and his encroachment.”

“Trees are not so much doers of the world as be-ers. We have a portion of this planet to fulfil. We have been nurtured for this very reason and now, in this day and age, many of us can only dream of the places we can fulfil ourselves … the planet needs the likes of us in our full maturity. The world needs us on a large scale.”

They are the skin of the earth. They give unconditional mental stability and amongst them we feel at peace.

Air moves us. Fire transforms us. Water shapes us, Earth heals us. Nature is our refillable prescription.

Perhaps that’s why I was upset to hear about the destruction of the sacred Aboriginal tree, the Djap Warrang Directional Tree in Western Victoria. The decision to bull doze the culturally significant tree by the Victorian government recently was all to make way for a portion of highway.

The trees might say “We are but caretakers of this sacred land but you still don’t understand.” When will we learn?

MOVING FORWARD IN LOVE

We’ve always thought of ourselves as free and living a normal life but somehow over the past six months we’ve unquestionably allowed our power and freedoms to be taken away.

The very essence of being human, and living a normal life, is to be free to be whoever we are, accepting all the risks that come from being in the world and of the world.

Perhaps we need to see ourselves in a new way. No longer afraid of the unknown, ready for something new … because really, the old is done. There is no more normal. We’re stepping into the unknown.

Can we do it with grace and beauty, faith and trust, surrendering to our higher self, trusting in our own ‘knowing’ on our personal journey.

Can we do it in union with Mother Earth? Outside in nature can we see and feel that love is everywhere? Infinite and abundant. Everything is healing and perfect in its imperfections. We are the same.

Fall in love with nature. Fall in love with art, with music, with dancing with headphones on, the smell of flowers and the sight of clouds on the horizon. Fall in love with all your senses and those small moments that take your breath away and make your heart sing. Fall in love with pockets of peace, even amongst the confusion. Fall in love with yourself.

Mother Earth has much to teach us. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of her earth song.

We’ve been given a gift, those that can see, an ability to see the truth. That beyond the veil of fear and illusion that’s been orchestrated in society, beyond all the lessons learnt from this year, there’s much that’s miraculous and meaningful in our being here at this time.

The value of living life to its fullest has never been more precious and as important.

Why go back to normal when we can look forward to the extraordinary.

There’s no more time to play small. Accept that you were born to stand out and realise your potential.

So, perhaps we need to forget about conforming to society’s norms. Instead stand in your power, no matter what’s going on around you. Embrace your light, look within and love yourself. It all starts with you.

No one knows what the future will bring but one thing’s for sure, we’re all heading there together. As we enter November be grateful for the unfolding of this journey and all that’s to come, as we keep our hearts open to love, to raise the collective consciousness for the good of all.

Sending love and light as we continue this amazing journey.

Have you seen my ebook yet? It’s a celebration of nature through mindfulness. Click on this link and it will take you to a page where you can view and/or download it. Enjoy!

114 thoughts on “So, what IS Normal anyway?”

  1. Brilliant post, Miriam! A pleasure to read, and so timely. “What is normal?” Exactly! We’re all asking that these days — from every part of the earth to all the others — and we’re asking it in precisely the way you frame it as a deeper question into the meaning of our lives.

    It’s the virus, it’s everything. A friend from India wrote a few days ago about how she no longer recognizes her country in a political sense because it’s splintering into camps divided against themselves. I mean, more than usual. Some in many other places. All of it makes you question what life should be, ought to be.

    And I think you offer a pretty good answer. A spiritual rebirth is what’s needed. Not patches. A rebirth.

    Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this, Miriam!

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    1. Paul, so great to hear from you! And you speak to my heart and soul. There was so much more I wanted to write but I think you’ve summed it up so eloquently. Amidst the division that’s happening here, and in just about every country, there’s also, I’d like to believe, a greater awareness that there’s more to our lives and this world than what we’ve been lead to believe. What extraordinary times we’re living in!

      Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. Hope all is well with you.

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      1. I’ve been doing fine. I’ve been working on a book — a collection of poetry, aphorisms, etc. So I’m peeking out of my cave tonight for the first time in quite a while, only to see your beautiful post!

        You know, I was also thinking that the world seems to have been heading towards some kind of spiritual awakening even before this, the Year of Every Strange Thing. Things have been building up for awhile. And that awakening seems centered on authenticity — being true to ourselves — and love. Really sappy stuff to some people, but so meaningful to so many of us. I think the progress has been two steps forward, one back — but still progress. This year or the ones soon to come could decide the issue for quite some time.

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        1. Yes, I couldn’t agree more Paul. In my first post this year I dubbed 2020 the year of clarity. Wow, little did I know how much our eyes would be opened. And like you, I’ve felt a deeper purpose and sense of searching for awhile. Things have been building and I think many have been waiting for us to wake up. Seems this is the year! The Year of Every Strange Thing, lol, how true.

          Your book by the way sounds wonderful!

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  2. Love this Miriam, what the hell is normal anyway? Live each day, live the life you want that has meaning to you and just bloody enjoy! If this year has taught us anything is you are only here for a short time in the scheme of things so be who you are and LIVE a big life. I’ve also scheduled a post for next week leading into NAIDOC week on my view on the destruction of aboriginal sacred places 😡

    Let’s live each day and live it in our truth 🙌

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    1. Amen my friend! To all that you wrote. We’ve all learnt a lot this year, some big, big truths that I truly believe will see huge changes to the way we live. Despite what many think I honestly believe it’s for the better. Yes, here’s to living a big, beautiful life Glenys. And I look forward to reading your post next week. 💫

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  3. So pleased that Melbourne is moving out of its restrictive lifestyle, it will change so many peoples lives there. Unfortunately in England we are plunging into another national lockdown with everyone ordered to stay inside and everything closing down. We felt it coming but it’s the winter months and numbers are going through the roof. Nothing is normal currently.

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    1. Oh, I can so understand Jonno. That was us not long ago. Just remember that nothing is ever necessarily as it appears. Hold tight to your own faith and trust and keep your focus on your own patch (and away from msm). You’ll come through this!

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  4. What glorious news that Melbourne is finally opening, Miriam! Oh how I loved this post! What IS normal? ….. A question I’ve asked for many years. Normal is boring. It is conforming. Neither one is in MY dictionary. I agree we as a global nation are on a spiritual quest. The majority are on the page of purging for in order to embrace the light and grace of Divinity, purging first must take place. We have to understand what love is not before we can understand what love is. I am listening to the music you provided as I’m writing this, and it speaks deeply to my soul. Getting back to our roots, listening to the Wise Ones before us, is our Salvation. Humans must develop respect for Mother in order for the human race to live harmoniously with Her. How sad that despite the hardships we all have endured, that some are still not present in this Moment, insisting on destroying more of Mother without thought of what She means. Your post in a nutshell …. fantastic!!! I agree …. change begins with each one of us. IF we wait for the “other guy” to bring change, it will not happen. I feel the peace in your heart, dear friend. Blessings from my heart to yours. Together we begin a New Journey founded on Love. The old must pass away before the New is created. And so it is. xoxo

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    1. And so it is indeed my friend. Your words speak truth and straight to my heart. Yes, normal IS boring and conforming and I know they’re not in your dictionary. I also know how deeply you feel the connection with Mother Nature, the respect we owe her and the divinity from within that comes from knowing who we ourselves are. Thank you for being with me on this journey of love and discovery Amy. May the old crumble away to make way for a new, enlightened world. Big hugs and blessings dear friend. xx

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      1. There are two very large trees across the street from out home where Red Tail Hawks sit to hunt. There is a tract of land I believe that is being sold or is sold for more houses to be built. Those trees live on the last segment of that tract of land. I am SO concerned that those two trees will be brought down. I can honestly picture myself chained to them refusing to allow anyone to destroy these historical landmarks. Mankind overall has zero respect for Mother and OH, Mariam, that fact burns hotly in my breast! Yes, may the old crumble away and in that crumbling, may a healthy respect for Mother blossom beautifully. Big hugs and many blessings in return!!! xoxoxo

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        1. I hope you don’t need to chain yourself to those trees Amy. I hope that common sense prevails and these beautiful significant landmarks are left for our next generations to enjoy.. We need to start learning from the past to preserve the future. Sending love and hugs to you as my new week begins here. xxx

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    1. Thanks Kellie and yes, I was saddened too. This is sacred women’s birthing country and the tree was linked to lots of stories of the local Indigenous people, the Djab Wurrung. Gone now, like so much before us. One day we’ll learn. 💚

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  8. I loved your message in this post, Miriam. “As we enter November be grateful for the unfolding of this journey and all that’s to come, as we keep our hearts open to love, to raise the collective consciousness for the good of all.” Love this line! It all comes down to being grateful, doesn’t it? We’ve gotten a taste of how quickly our “normal” can become not so normal. Thank you for your wonderful words!

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    1. Thank you so much Jill and yes, absolutely true, being grateful for where we are is key to everything that’s important. Wishing you a month ahead that’s filled with love, gratitude and peace.

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  10. It’s hard for me, and perhaps for others, to fully process everything we’re living through right now. Every day some new update, perpetual uncertainty. Cases here in the U.S. continue to shatter records and our government has given up even trying to control the virus. They want to pretend we are turning a curve for the better, not listen to health experts, and focus on the economy. A presidential election is looming in two days which could mean the difference between life and death for hundreds of thousands of Americans. The uncertainty and anxiety is palpable over here. When – and I say when with much hope – this is “over” (whatever that looks like), there will be time, I hope, to process, reflect, learn, be more intentional in our lives moving forward. I agree with you that our lifestyles were not necessarily healthy prior to all this. I often lamented the busy pace of life, the need to work, work, work just to survive. I hope some positive change comes from this.

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    1. Hi Kim, yes I do honestly believe positive change is on its way, though I can understand, at least looking at things on the surface and particularly in the US, how many people see the opposite. We become sucked in and believe too naively in what we’re told by the msm. Sometimes we need to turn it all off, skip the updates and focus on our own intuition and what’s true and real for us. Times they are a changing big time. Wishing you peace in the days and month ahead.

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  11. When I returned to work, after the March-May lockdown, one of my coworkers who is in her late 50s remarked, “I’ve realized that I’ve spent too much of my life working. It is not normal.” Others seemed to have realized that as well, so it is one very positive consequence of the difficult restrictions we’ve had to endure. I consider myself very fortunate to have lived a mostly “abnormal” life so I don’t have that regret. And yet there is so much I’ve learned these past few months.

    Yes, this is all a gift for those who are capable of recognizing it.

    A blogger friend of mine once passed along a gift to me— words from the incredibly gifted Mary Oliver. I’m passing them along to you now. For your tree and for Nature.

    When I am Among the Trees

    When I am among the trees,
    especially the willows and the honey locust,
    equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
    they give off such hints of gladness.
    I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

    I am so distant from the hope of myself,
    in which I have goodness, discernment,
    and never hurry through the world
    but walk slowly, and bow often.

    Around me the trees stir in their leaves
    and call out, “Stay awhile.”
    The light flows from their branches.

    And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
    “and you too have come
    into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
    with light, and to shine.”

    Shine on, Miriam.✨💖✨

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    1. I LOVE these words by Mary Oliver. It’s so true “I would almost say that they save me and daily”. I can definitely relate to that. Thank you for sharing her beautiful poem Julie.

      Keep living your ‘abnormal’. You sound as though you’re on the right path and living your true self, so here’s to always learning and moving forward. May it lead us to a new world of love, compassion and appreciation. Big hugs. xx

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  13. Thanks for your loving vision and example Miriam. I’m glad normal is falling apart. Maybe we will crack open to new ways of living and working that align with love, cooperation, and nature. If not, humans will perish. Nature doesn’t need us, we need her. 🙏

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  14. What has become normal for a pandemic is simply abnormal. I can’t call it the new normal, because I don’t believe life will stay this way. At some point there will be a shift to a post pandemic normal. Things will be a different normal, but the nature of humans being together will one day return.

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    1. Yes I believe that as well Tim, with all my being. Life will be different going forward but fundamentally yes “the nature of humans being together will one day return”. We are a social species after all.

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  15. Profound and inspiring post, Miriam. Being mindful and being in the Here and Now is what we have to sincerely keep on focusing in order to live a positive life. Congratulations for your book. Will definitely download and read it. Sounds very interesting.

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    1. Thanks Bella. Normal? Well, here in Melbourne we were in the thick of it for awhile with some of the harshest lockdowns but we’ve come through it. And you will too. Everything happens for a reason. Stay well.

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  18. “To be or not to be” holds greater meaning as of late. In this country we have some trying to nourish and rejuvenate the tree planted during our revolution, bring it back from the brink of destruction. Others wish to rip it out by the roots to make way for a highway that leads to socialism and continued riots and looting. Why would one vote for a party that stands idly by while masked ingrates throw stones and bottles of urine at the police? I am prepared for whatever comes but I hope people wake up to the hostility being pushed on us by those who seek only power.

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    1. Yes, there’s a huge sense of division out there. I can only hope and pray that, as we move forward, things will be exposed to make humanity aware of what we all stand to lose if we continue in this way. Times are changing John. I feel it in my core. Let’s stay focused on love and not fear. 💚

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  19. Great points on our interpretation of “normal,” Miriam. As you describe well, the definition changes. “There is only now” Very true. And where we have “the power.” An amazing picture of the woman made up of the tree, flowers, nature. Did you create this, Miriam? A thought-provoking question “Why go back to normal when we can look forward to the extraordinary?” I have always believed in a collective consciousness and I can feel it even more now. And of course “there is only now.” Thank you for being you, Miriam, and sharing your beautiful message.❤️

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    1. Hi Erica, that picture of nature was sourced from the internet, unsure of the credit but it really spoke to me. And yes, there’s only ‘now’, this moment and making the best of our situation, wherever we are. I feel the collective consciousness too Erica and it’s never been more potent in my opinion. Here’s to keeping our vibe high. Thanks so much Erica. ❤️

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  20. Hello dear Miriam, a beautiful, thoughtful post. I totally agree that we have the opportunity to take stock of our pre-COVID life and find out for ourselves what matters most. I have found comfort in a simple life, and good to continue with that. I have begun to Crochet and am enjoying my humble garden more than ever. I love your quote added at the end too. Thank you for a lovely post.
    And…I hope you get to see your daughter very soon🙏🏼
    Big love from Dianne 🙋🏻‍♀️😘😘

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    1. Hello Dianne, thank you lovely, it’s certainly been a time to enjoy the simple things hasn’t it. Like you I’m loving the time in my garden, being outside and growing lots of new herbs and veggies this year. Stay well my friend and keep enjoying all those things that bring you joy. Sending you big hugs and lots of love. 🌸💫🥰

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  22. What a terrific post, Miriam! It can be so hard to be upbeat these days, because so few things make any sense at all. We are fighting a horrible virus for sure, but sometimes it seems as if our reaction to it just makes things worse. And fear is being used as a tool for control by those on all ends of the political spectrum. But….when I step back, turn off the noise, realize that governments throughout history have made stupid decisions (it’s sort of what they do, sadly), and that people got through it, then I begin to calm down. And when I realize all that I have in my life to be grateful for, I cheer up. And when I connect with nature that was here before me and will be here after me, I become happy. Because you’re right, we have more power than we think and now is the time to tap into it and live the life I want to live!

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    1. Amen to everything you said Ann. The power has always been in us, that power to choose how we want to react to any given situation but through history we’ve forgotten. I love what you said about nature, always being there. Yes, it will, and we can learn so much from her resilience can’t we. Here’s to choosing to live our absolute best life, no matter what the circumstances throw at us.

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  24. Very well expressed…
    There are situations and we adopt to it..and life goes on..this year has been different… instilled more fear in human mind than anythingg else has ever done…
    I was away from family for 6 months so can empathise with your thoughts…I have taken the leap and been on a family trip finally last fortnight ..drive around the country side in the hills of North India..
    Life is limping back to normal…
    Stay blessed..

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    1. I’m glad to hear that your life is slowly getting back to normal. It’s certainly been a different year that’s for sure. Let’s hope that the fear is largely behind us now. I wish you all the best.

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  25. Hello, lovely lioness-friend, once again you capture the feel and deeper meaning of what´s going on all around us to beautifully and inspiringly! Thank you for your marvelous words and images here, my friend. Love what you said here “I’ve realised there is no normal. There is no new normal. There is only now. And it’s an incredible time to be here.” I could not agree more with this statement. Yes, let´s transcend what no longer serves us and transform anything that isn´t love into love, kindness, mutual care, and transcendence. Love that you refer to the wonderful tree-wisdom as well here… trees are such a fountain of strength and wisdom to me… Glad your hubby found another job. Big hugs and much love xoxoxo ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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    1. Hello my lovely friend. Thank you as always for your wonderful words, friendship and support. It’s been a heck of a ride this year hasn’t it and I feel like we’re finally coming out the other side. Older, wiser, maybe a little scarred but having learnt lots of valuable life lessons. Normal is, I’ve decided, whatever we make it and when we make it from love how can we ever go wrong! Hope you’re well my gorgeous one. Sending you lots of love and tanti baci. xxxx ❤️✨

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      1. My pleasure cara amica. Yes, its been an absolute whirlwind of a year, which has sometimes felt like 100 years to me lol. Definitely older 🤣 and yes, hopefully wiser, too… Love your words here… Here´s to molto amore and kindness all around. Would love to hear from you soon, whenever it resonates:) Love and hugs cara xoxox ❤️✨

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  26. I just want you to know, Miriam, that I feel so much lighter…so much happier…so much more love after reading this post…THANK YOU! It is pretty magnificent to be alive during this time, I have to say. Where there are times that I feel bogged down by the divisiveness and the hate and anger, maybe I have been looking at it the wrong way. Maybe it is okay to be divided as long as we stand in our truth…listen to the voice of our soul…and present as our completely authentic self! Maybe, the way we lived before was not so authentic. Maybe, what is happening is that people realize that we are here and even though we are all connected, we are each individuals with different thoughts and different feelings. Maybe this time is a time to be celebrated for when each individual took a stand and went out on a (tree?) limb 😉 and stood for what they believe. We will never be a people who think exactly alike…and that is a good thing. I wish more people would come over to the love side of things…but who am I to judge?? I don’t want to be judged…therefore I will not judge.
    Thanks for your great piece here…full of love and mother nature to boot! And I know deep in my heart that you will be living each moment with grace and love ❤ ❤

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    1. Hi Lorrie, I love what you wrote here. That division that was so palpable during this year and that weighed heavy on our hearts, I’ve realised is all part of the process of soul searching, evolving and accepting one other. Everyone has their own truth and perception of what’s happening and like you said, when we stand in our own power and truth we are being our authentic selves. It takes a while to realise that though. Thank you for your wonderful comment. I’m so happy this post made you feel so much lighter and I send you much love as we move forward. It is indeed a magnificent time to be alive. ❤️❤️

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      1. Thanks, Miriam. I’m going to take a shower, make a little something to eat, and then hunker down and see how America voted!
        Thanks for getting me…and for allowing me to express what goes on inside me. 😊💜

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  27. I love this post! Especially, the quote at the end, “up the dosage.” And living life like we mean it, and doing it even when things “aren’t normal”. I would really appreciate it if you’d check out my blog post as well. It’s nowhere near as beautiful as your post but it’s somewhat related to the craziness of 2020, and I think it’s an important message. You don’t have to but might like it: https://scarletkbauer.wordpress.com/2020/11/03/lets-talk-politics/

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  29. We are living in strange times Miriam and your words and sentiment speak to many of us who read your words. Hopefully you can move around soon and see your daughter again. Life is definitely not normal at the moment. Take care x

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  30. I loved this, and especially your statement about “There is only now”. Very powerful. After the initial crisis mode during both “waves” of infections, I’ve gone into that living in the moment mode. I do fun and inspiring things and enjoy what there is to enjoy. I use technology to its fullest (online music sessions, whiskey tastings etc). To me it’s the only way to survive the pandemic psychologically. Very thought provoking to analyse what normal really means.

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    1. Hi Susanne, lovely to hear how you’ve embraced and used technology to its fullest potential. Whiskey tastings sounds intriguing! But yes, living in the moment really is the best way to stay grounded. Thanks for your comment and my warmest wishes to you. Stay well. 😊

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  32. Great photos and great post. I have to say that the new normal is actually have no normal like you said. This time however gives us the chance to enjoy time with family more like we used to back in the day when technology wasn’t a thing. We have technology now, but at least we are using it with family closer than ever before.

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  33. Sighs… I love to read your words. They make me feel so relaxed and in the moment. Beautiful 😍 btw, are you having any issues with the sites that you follow? When I go to my reader, I can’t find my favourites. Stay safe beautiful lady. Yes, we are here and now 🎁

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    1. Oh, thank you so much, what lovely feedback. And yes, I’ve been having trouble with my Reader for months, not getting my favourites and usual sites to load. It’s very frustrating, hence I haven’t been reading as much. I hope you’re well and happy. 💜

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  34. One positive thing that this pandemic has brought is that it has made us reevaluate what we have always believed to be ‘normal’. For instance going to work everyday- now we can work from home and its a new reality(which is good by the way).

    There is no longer room for conformity, or normalcy or even certainty. All we have is NOW

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    1. Yes, many of us have realised that old ways of thinking and living really don’t serve us anymore. It’s been a huge learning curve in so many ways. Best wishes to you.

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  36. What a beautiful post Miriam❤️ Indeed, what is normal… what must we conform to… and this time is a great opportunity to meet our authentic self and create something outside the normal box. Here’s to creating our new world of love, joy and community with each other❤️ sending you love, Barbara x

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    1. Thank you for your beautiful giving words Barbara. Indeed, the world is one for us to create right now. Let’s fill it full of beauty, love and compassion. Sending you much love and hugs back ❤️

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  37. Your beautiful post resonates, Miriam! I just came back from a beautiful getaway surrounded by the healing forest and ocean, a decision that arose from a now or never moment and I’m so glad we booked some time in our woodland studio because shortly after we arrived home, our region entered a mini-lockdown to try to level off the surging new cases smothering our part of the world, sigh.
    Years ago in the middle of working full-time in the medical world, I woke up to the fact that I was working for 8 days off per month and two weeks off per year, I walked away from normal and haven’t looked back since!
    It’s lovely to hear your positive and powerful voice…

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    1. Hi Kim, your getaway sounds absolutely wonderful and so rejuvenating. Good for you, getting away for the purpose of pure pleasure and stepping out of the rat race is so good for the soul and I think more necessary than ever these days.. sorry to hear about your newest lockdown, we’ve literally just come out of our long one. Stay well, happy and peaceful at heart my friend. xx

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  39. I agree that this is definitely not the new normal, Miriam. I have to believe that we will get to the other side of this. Hopefully with a deeper appreciation for what is truly important in life. I’m glad to hear that Melbourne is opening. Our cases are rising and our Governor has recently increased restrictions prior to the expectation that Thanksgiving will give rise to even more cases. That song was so moving. Thanks for sharing it. I do love nature and especially trees. They carry so much wisdom. I hope that you are having a lovely week, my friend. xx

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    1. Hi Amy, I guess this is the time now to create our new normal, what we want to see in our lives as opposed to what’s thrust upon us. I do believe we’ll come through this wiser and with a far greater appreciation of the things we once took for granted. Sorry to hear of your latest restrictions but hang in there. Keep enjoying nature my friend, it’s so healing. I feel that better days are on the horizon. Sending big hugs xx

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