Do your days have a typical rhythm and routine to them? Even on days when there is no requirement to set an alarm, do you still find yourself waking up at the same time you normally do? What time of day are you characteristically the most productive? As the research journey continues into factors related to developing the Five Habits of a Flourishing Life, I am continually amazed when themes seem to consistently appear in the reading, and their relevant applications to present circumstances in our culture. From students and teachers all over the country switching to online instruction to retired senior adults adjusting their shopping habits, we are all experiencing interruptions to our typical routines that impact us in multiple ways.

During these times when Life is Interrupted, I find it even more critical to develop a Habit of Awareness so that I am not only in tune to my own rhythm and responses (self-awareness), but that I recognize the various ways those around me need to process and work through interruptions in their expected schedules (others-aware). God created each of us with different personalities, gifts, and talents that make us unique, but there are times when those differences can create gaps in understanding, especially in anxiety-ridden moments when Life is Interrupted.

Rather than the usual rhythm of a week, a month, or a semester, life has been interrupted by factors outside of our control. Even our approach to daily activities are not business as usual. We are forced to make new routines for moving throughout our day to items such as work, errands, household chores, and sleep patterns. There is no “normal” anymore! Even for someone who does not typically stress over issues beyond their control, my life has been interrupted. Yes, I am thankful for over 10 years of online learning which has made the switch to online instruction a little easier for me, but it’s still a change from my normal routine. Cancelling travel plans and crossing out items on my calendar is a new experience, but even more daunting is the inability to consider future plans because so much is unknown.

Traditionally, it takes me about 10 days to transition between a regular semester and shorter terms in summer and winter; but this time, the process seemed to linger a little longer, taking over 20 days to settle into a new rhythm, but it appears to have finally arrived. After spending over four decades on this planet, I know my personality type, my chronological type, my strengths and weaknesses, and what it takes for me to operate optimally physically, mentally, and spiritually; but this pandemic has made it more difficult to focus, to concentrate on mental tasks, and to find the energy to pursue creative endeavors. Although I am not fearful or full of anxiety because I know the One who is in control over all existence, I am still experiencing a Life Interrupted where it feels as if life is on pause and there are many unknowns.

For college students who are only beginning the journey to creating a Habit of Awareness, it is normal to feel as if your life has been interrupted. But let me encourage you to invest time in becoming both self and others aware so that you will be able to recognize what you and others are experiencing in order to navigate the healthiest options available in establishing a new normal. You will be changed by this experience, but rather than focus on what you cannot control, I would encourage utilizing this time to develop a schedule that fits you best, to take the hours free from athletic and work commitments and spend time reading Scripture and engaging in personal growth. How can you invest this unexpected time to make the world a better place?

In the days ahead I hope to delve into topics related to this unusual experience in time to focus on what it means to be Missing Milestones and adapting to a new normal; but in the meantime, please be encouraged that we are finding new avenues for creating community, worshiping together, and overcoming obstacles. This too shall pass and might even provide wonderful opportunities for examining What is Truly Essential!

Please feel free to share in the comments below ways that you are positively adjusting to a new normal. For example, what strategies have you established that have helped you make a successful transition? Whether it’s creating a new daily routine or exploring new hobbies, please share your experiences.