Next to Normal

This is probably the first time in the past 18 months that I felt things are (almost) back to “normal”. 

I traveled again, even just for a short amount of time, to see dear friends and friends I have not seen in a long time. I created arts again, photography, painting, and some random writings. I meditated again, went to the gym regularly. I read regularly again. I learned new things again, both technology and not.

I never realized the toll the pandemic and working throughout the pandemic has taken on my health and my mental health up until the point I had this week off. I thrive under pressure and in challenges, for sure. But when the pressure remained constant for 18 months, it weighs on you. I have been very fortunate to work for great companies and work with great co-workers who have not impose additional stress onto the already “fragile” state. Nevertheless, the pressure to “not complain because you are so lucky” is in itself a challenge of the pandemic.

I’m starting a new job this week. It’s a type of Innovative Lab (So, a well funded, well structured, with vision, and with devs “Basement Lab”) right here in Alberta. So far things have been pretty organized and the people I’ve met have been awesome. Obviously, with any new beginning, there is a level of anxierty built in. Uncertainty and challenges fuel growth, and I’m excited to see what this will bring.

So, life goes on. Life is not normal, yet, normal has never been a constant. I’m just trying to sit again with all this discomfort, and continue to grow.