The word novel has taken on a whole new meaning and association in the last few months.  The idea of newness, which once seemed exciting and inviting now registers as fear and a threat to our health and well being.  As this new invisible virus is spreading the world has been brought to its knees revealing the vulnerability that is inherent in all human beings.  None of us are immune from this vulnerability.  The threat is laying bare the very best and worst instincts in being human.

We see innovative ways of supporting one another and are being asked to develop new ways of thinking to create healing and growth for us and our planet.  While the absolute worst demonstrations of responses to one’s vulnerability are on display around the world,  most particularly among many Republicans in the U S government and those far right activists who are  ‘protecting’ themselves from a fear of loss of what is ‘rightly theirs,’ we also see inspiring acts of courage and resilience in everyday people around the globe.

I hear people speaking of their hope of change and their fear about ‘going back to normal’ when this is over.   I have decided to grow from this and create a new way of living that supports my life and my family.  I choose to use this time of deep uncertainty to create something new that is more aligned with my deepest values.  It is clear now that in some ways I been living against my core values in order to ‘fit in’.  What is novel for me is the stark realization of this truth.  This time has provided a mirror allowing  me to see that some of what I have been chasing is not good for my soul.  I am living this time as an opportunity to create in myself a right way of living that gives healing and love back to the world .

Each one of us is the author of our own lives and because of that we get to choose the story we want to live by.  My book contains truth and love and integrity.  I will speak for those that have no words and tell their stories to help others grow and heal.  I will live all my life with passion and compassion, strength and courage to preserve the dignity of all people around me and around the globe.  My little part, the pages I write going forward will continue to be filled with fierce determination to live in such a way that all life is supported and all people are lifted up. The novel I now write is about standing up,  not backing down and never giving up my values ever again.

What is the novel you are living?  What is the novel inside of you that is begging to be lived?