New Beginnings

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There is something about a fresh start that is truly inspirational. The pandemic has stretched us all but, somehow, the start of a new year–even if it still requires facial coverings and social distancing–is a breath of fresh air. 

2020 changed our perspective on life in many ways. Between the shut downs, protests, politics, loss and threats of sickness, we have all done a little soul searching. Although most of us would typically be setting goals and making resolutions right now, it seems that, this January, we simply want to start over. 

Change doesn’t really happen without new knowledge. What have you learned about yourself and those you love?
How you handle restrictions is a big indicator of your
Img.ID:
C: Get the facts (The Classic wants to know the statistics and follow the rules.)
N: Compromise (The Natural sees both sides of the problem and wants peace between everyone.)
D: Responsive (The Dramatic feels the factors deeply and is passionate about her convictions.)
I: Burdened (The Ingénue takes responsibility for her mistakes, and often for the mistakes of others.)
R: Shut down (The Romantic doesn’t want to be pressured, she’d rather pretend this is not happening.)
G: Cantankerous (The Gamine is one to reinforce the rules or completely rebel against them, depending on her view point.) 

Click the letter to learn more about that Image Identity, including What2Wear.

My husband and I are renovating a 1830s Captain’s House, which we are living in. As a builder, Ron knows that most people find it vey difficult to live in the middle of the construction. I get it, too. It’s messy and it’s constricting. I’m grateful to have had a little break while my daughter has been home for the holidays. But as soon as she goes back to college, we will begin the next phase of gutting, digging, lifting, replacing walls, floors, windows, siding… and this time we will have to go without a kitchen for a long time. 

But I’m excited. It’s fun to be part of the process and to witness the progress. I’m sure it’s easier for us than it is for his clients, because we understand the process and we think of the work as our stay-at-home-entertainment. The challenge is our exhilaration. 

I’m trying to think of the pandemic in the same way. 

I don’t like the CDC guidelines. Wearing masks and keeping distant feel too much like rejection and I’m tiered of being held back from connecting with those I love. 

I realize that the pandemic may hold us back from having our social lives for a bit longer, but I’m ready to for a new beginning with my attitude. I want to somehow enjoy the Covid-challenge like I do the renovation.

An attitude change is really just a change in perspective.

Most of us understand the virus’s threat at this point. We’ve witnessed the potential results and we’ve learned to face the challenge of avoiding the invisible enemy. All the restrictions have broken us down to the very basics of who we are, like a caterpillar stuck in a cocoon. We don’t need to be like a client frustrated with the mess of a renovation, instead, we can choose to enjoy the process of change and consider the challenge our exhilaration. 

We will not be defeated. God, help us endure to the end and develop in us the strength and maturity, so that when we are finally allowed to break free, we can soar like a butterfly–with no masks, and BE who we were designed to BE.

One thing I’ve learned from past construction projects is that when the house is done, people consider you “lucky” and so do you! We call it revisionist history. Somehow the hard parts get forgotten. 

One day we will tell the stories of 2020 as if it were all a great adventure. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to enjoy the rest of this adventure while it’s still happening because soon all we will remember is how lucky we were to be “stuck at home.”

How has the pandemic changed–or revealed to you–who you are? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me on FacebookTwitter PinterestLinked In, Goodreads  or visit my site at https://catrinawelch.com.


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