Beyond Normalcy. . . LAUNCH. . . FIGHT. . . THRIVE
When what defined you as normal suddenly encompasses twist and turns, while the expectations and whispers from the questions of “why” you have changed there in the midst of all the noise a calm encouraging voice says to your spirit, “FIGHT with all you have to defy the odds.”
This is the testament of COURAGE LIFE SOUL. Navigating beyond the norms of family patterns of familiarity, origins of how to manage or accept “different and difficult” life moments and being free to change life for a new normal. These are not easy shifts and adjustments. Few have a timeline while other situations can be lifelong matters. Nevertheless, in that moment I realized how people knew me or who they perceived me to be based on past affiliation would no longer be the person that existed.
To be honest, I was a little relieved. Why? The time to rest and recover put me in a place where I did not have to be “on.” It was unfamiliar, yet something my soul, spirit and body needed. In quietness and stillness, I rediscovered parts of me that I internally pushed away due to it being considered “unpopular or different.” This time of rest and recovery for medical health was all divine; even though it felt like devastation because of what the process required. For the first time in my adult life, my “NO” had to come without explanations. Can you imagine that? Not over-explaining yourself to individuals who “demanded” a certain answer (this is when my circle and village became real). My support was in the faces of people who to others were complete strangers but to me and my husband; they were and remain to be our village.
Establishing and defining boundaries was the most daunting task. Defining our support unit as immediate family, our core, our village, along with extensions as relatives & friends was the most uncomfortable process. But it was necessary to not overexert, nor people please to redirect potential feelings of guilt which could arise from managing a medical matter beyond one’s control.
We were launching into unfamiliar territory that came with push back, embrace and questions. It was liberating, scary, redeeming, and refreshing all in one. There were mixed emotions…sadness about having to be educated about the medical matter, then grateful for God’s leading to a specialist who had keen instinct to evaluate one level that answered the question of all the symptoms that previously had no explanation. My life was being redefined. Refined defined as a woman, wife, daughter, sister, loved one, relative, friend and so much more. What I knew as normal based on family, culture, environment or friendships would be different. This girl now turned woman was literally and figuratively changing. No time to explain, immediate decisions for life and health had to me made without warning.
That sunny day in February 2013 set the course for a unique way of doing life which would be filled with opportunities of learning new alternatives beyond past familiarity. Launching in the deep. Trusting God for the road ahead, there were quite a few blurred lines to navigate and process. Yet here we are nearly a decade later with clear sight and acceptance that nothing ever catches God by surprise.
Ironically, writing has come to be a way God allows me to encourage, support and share hope with others. Leaning into inspiring words to daily FIGHT and defy the odds.
Officially launching, with this blog there is so much gratitude for life’s journey. I am humbled for the opportunity to develop from challenges, find strength amidst trials, caption the gift of life through lose, grow in grace through disappointment, discover courage from defeating moments and be cultivated in love from matters beyond my control.
What will you LAUNCH into to FIGHT for your new normal against the face of misunderstanding or opposition?
In closing this introduction to you…I pray you enough faith to persevere through ever obstacle while finding a reason to smile beyond the pain to choose faith despite hurt, and experience the power of God’s abounding love towards you in unconditional ways.
Remain Sustained by HIS GRACE,
Corri Rose