When we are young, we are taught that if we follow the right path, everything will end up “happily ever after.” Go to college, get good grades, get a career, meet someone, fall in love, get married, have kids, etc. etc. etc. It’s the simplified portrait of a successful and joyous life that we hear so much about.
The lesson that we were never taught, however, is that sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. Life can be challenging at best – sometimes even excruciating. Even the most joyous moments often come with an emotional toll that was not anticipated, and can be seemingly impossible to deal with. It’s the smack on the side of the head reminding you that things aren’t and never will be perfect, and the “normal” that you previously defined for yourself no longer exists (if it ever did in the first place!).
I am guessing I am not alone, waking up and finding myself in my mid-30s and wondering not only what the hell happened, but also what the hell is next. While some of us may experience some kind of trauma or major life event that directly impacts yourself or a loved one – illness or death, job loss, relocation, foreclosure, military deployment, divorce, raising children, financial issues, the list goes on – for others it’s just the realization that life isn’t what it was expected to be.
But that can be okay. It can even be good. Simply put, you just have to define a new normal … and understand that a “normal” may just never exist.
Life After Normal was set up to chronicle one woman’s journey (that would be me) through major life changes, both planned and circumstance. I hope that by sharing what I’m going through you will recognize that you’re not alone, and even find some humor in the ridiculous curveballs life continually throws us. Thank you for visiting!
Welcome to the blogging world!
I really look forward to reading your blog as you continue on your journey. You are a strong, beautiful and smart woman and have survived more than anyone should, so I look forward to learning from you– and hearing about the good, the bad (hopefully only in small doses for your sake), the hilarious, etc. Cheers!
Thank you! And thank you for inspiring me with your blog as well – it’s only a matter of time before I do a “Pantry Challenge” of my own
Hi girlfriend,
Loving your blog! So brave and inspiring. Love ya, my friend.
xo,
Jess
Hi, Laura,
saw your post on the Laf Col alumni LinkedIn page and then I checked your website. I am older than you, but can so relate to where you are in your journey. I felt very much the same way in my 30s. Life was (and still is) challenging beyond my wildest expectations, and even the good stuff comes with more hard work than I imagined. Due to series of random external events, my life turned upside down @ 35 and the roller coaster continued for many years. Its only now in my 50s that I realize that life really IS a roller coaster. And sometimes we’re riding up, and sometimes we’re riding down. but I also have learned that there are special WONDERFUL moments along the way. And I have come to cherish those moments. Whether its seeing a shooting star, or treasuring time spent re-connecting with old friends. I am currently riding the roller coaster up after a long tortuous upsidedown-cork-screw-turning ride in a dark tunnel. And the old adage of what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…….. well, I now understand it. The dark times are truly what make us who we are……………. and define what we value, and what we can let go of…….
Thanks for your note, Barbara. I am bracing myself for the roller coaster of life – just hoping there are more fun and wonderful moments than terrifying and sad!
Laura,
I’m reading your blog today, finding comfort as my sis-in-law hung herself yesterday leaving my niece and 2 nephews behind – 13, 11, 10. Given how much pain she was in and how much she’d been through since I’ve known her at 14 years old, I’m not surprised. I’m more shocked that she would do that to the children because I know she loved them very much and was not a selfish mother. We’re in the process of figuring out what/how to tell the kids, but I felt the need to let you know that I hear you and what you’re sharing is helping others. Thank you.
Oh Rocky, I am so sorry to hear that. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you and your family through this time. Thinking of you.
just read your “About Me” section and after losing my dad last year i know exactly what you mean about life before and life after. i look forward to following your blog.
Thank you Jenn … I am looking forward to following your adventures as well