For all of us in the northern hemisphere, the last month of balmy weather has begun, schools are starting up and us working Moms are looking forward to getting into a more settled routine again.
That same routine is what we couldn’t wait to escape from just a few months before, when we were all so done with the regimented school year and craved a change of pace, at least for a little while.
Change is what gives me stability.
Now that sounds contradictory, doesn’t it?
Our lives are crazy busy at times, we skid from one activity to the next, trying to squeeze it all in, juggling the demands and joys of work, kids, partners, pets, homes, gardens, extended families and friends. We have our routines down pat, trying to maximize each minute of the day.
And when do we breathe? Take the time to recollect and just reflect on what is going on around us. As part of a family with a busy schedule, I almost have to chizzle out the time to reconnect with myself.
Change enables me to become aware of the necessity to stop and just BE.
If given the chance to step out of your routine, do something different or completely new, don’t you find this opens up the door to a new perspective. You may even ask yourself what the heck took you so long.
This summer our family headed south to explore parts of a state we had not yet visited before – Florida. Yes, at this time of year…hey, it is low season down there! I made a pact with myself and embraced every new day by watching the sun rise and meditating on the beach, barefoot in the sand or in the lukewarm tickle of waves.
Getting up that early on vacation after being out late exploring the sights and sounds was a bit challenging, I’ll admit that. But I didn’t want to miss the moment to just BE in such a beautiful setting. So different to my couch or bench at home.
At home, I have my morning routine, yet every so often I deliberately change it up.
Instead of meditating in my usual spot when everyone is still asleep, I choose to go for an early walk with Duke once the kids are off to school (which is still at the crack of dawn here). That is a form of meditation too.
So even though we are now ready for our old routine again, I challenge you to find something that you will change simply to re-energize you when the daily routine becomes a bit tedious once again.
Think about what this can be for you.
- For example, instead of listening to the early morning news – which can leave you feeling drained before you even leave the house – you select your current favorite Pandora station. Then leave the house…
- Take a walking-lunch break in fresh air away from the usual air-conditioned cafeteria. See how you can focus again on your return
- Make a date with your favorite novel early enough in the evening so you can actually get ahead without nodding off after a page or two. I need to do this!
Change is refreshing, whether you are able to go away for a few days or just steel an hour to pamper yourself a little.
Balancing routine with the occasional change is what keeps me present and grateful for everything I have in my life. It grounds me, and in doing so gives me the stability I need to stay sane in these super fast-paced times.
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