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What is Normal?

What is Normal?

November 5, 2020 by Kristin Jarvis Adams 11 Comments

How are you, dear?

It’s been so long since we’ve spoken.

I know you say you are fine…but how are you, really?

Our world has been upside down for so long now that the days are slipping into weeks and the weeks have turned into months and the months have become seasons and the four walls of our homes seem to be closing in. I can’t remember how long the leftovers have been in my fridge and there is another wad of dirty clothes in the hamper. I swear I did the laundry yesterday. Or, was it last week?

After all this time of virtual human contact, I’ve started talking to myself in the mirror almost as much as I talk to the dogs. And some days all I’m doing is holding my breath, waiting for life to get back to normal.

But wait.

What is normal?

When I witness communities finding ways to connect and live joyfully in a time when fear runs rampant, I am encouraged by the resilience of the human spirit. Last weekend—on Hallows Eve—I volunteered at our church “drive through” where the staff greeted anyone who showed up with warm, heartfelt conversation and bags of treats. One staff member who was quarantining in anticipation of a visit with family later in the month, wore a T-Rex ‘hazmat’ suit and greeted every car with dancing and laughter.

I’ll admit, I mostly watched in awe as the staff called out to every driver by name, asking, “How are you…really?” After only a few minutes of meaningful connection, every single car full of people left that parking lot knowing that they were loved and cared for.

So today I challenge you to ask someone, “How are you…really?” and take the time to listen to what they have to say. You can be the light in their day, or just maybe, they will be the one shining back at you.

 

Sending peace to you, dear one.

~Kristin

Kristin Jarvis Adams
Kristin Jarvis Adams

Kristin Jarvis Adams is a public speaker and advocate for children with special needs, helping to bridge the gap between the outside world and the inner world of autism. Her speaking engagements have included: Seattle Festival of Trees Gala, a benefit for Seattle Children’s Hospital and The Seattle Children’s Autism Clinic. Learn More>>

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Filed Under: Letters From The Coop Tagged With: Faith, gratitude, Health & Wellness, mind & body health

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. CherryJarvis says

    November 6, 2020 at 7:57 am

    Love this – and the pink dinosaur is the best! Thank you❤️

    Reply
  2. Carol says

    November 6, 2020 at 9:06 am

    Kristin, You always have such a way of speaking to our hearts!
    Lovely. I’m taking your challenge TODAY.

    Reply
    • Kristin Jarvis AdamsKristin Jarvis Adams says

      November 8, 2020 at 11:52 am

      Would love to hear how your challenge went! 🙂 Kristin

      Reply
  3. Shorty says

    November 6, 2020 at 9:30 am

    As always, very well done.

    Reply
  4. Jean Olsen says

    November 6, 2020 at 10:53 am

    Thanks, Kristin! I needed to hear that. Sometimes the sunshine is only in your heart but it’s enough to make the day bright.

    Reply
    • Kristin Jarvis AdamsKristin Jarvis Adams says

      November 8, 2020 at 11:51 am

      I’ll take the sunshine in my heart! Blessings to you, Kristin

      Reply
  5. Gail Hawley says

    November 6, 2020 at 7:47 pm

    Your reflection and that very pink dinosaur were just the right bright spot for the day! Thank you.

    Reply
    • Kristin Jarvis AdamsKristin Jarvis Adams says

      November 8, 2020 at 11:50 am

      We all need as many bright spots in our days as we can find! Be well, Kristin

      Reply
  6. Claire says

    November 8, 2020 at 9:37 am

    Lovely reminder! Thank you for sharing your heart with us! ❤️

    Reply
    • Kristin Jarvis AdamsKristin Jarvis Adams says

      November 8, 2020 at 11:49 am

      Thank you, Claire. Be well, Kristin

      Reply
  7. Nicole Barclay says

    November 16, 2020 at 11:42 am

    This is beautiful Kristin ❤️. You all are in my thoughts often. Take care my friend!

    Reply

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Frightful HIGH RES 2When eight-year-old Andrew tells his pet chicken that his body is trying to kill him, Andrew’s family and an entire medical community are launched into a decade-long quest for answers. Readers will journey to places where chickens talk, superheroes come alive, and a young autistic boy on the brink of death, finds the courage to survive. Read More >>

Meet Kristin

kristinjadams

Kristin Adams spent her childhood in a small town east of Seattle. She could be found building forts in the evergreen forest behind her house, zooming down the street on her banana-seat bike, or searching for treasures in the back of antique cars in her family’s auto wrecking yard.  Learn More >>

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