It’s funny, most people are heading back to school, work, etc. and craving a routine. I get that, I really do. Especially if you have kids.
But for us? We’ve been plowing away at work, training, in the brutal summer heat. It’s at this point when our routine can almost slow us down from that SECOND WIND of dreaming big.
(thank you Tara for the bracelet)
We need makes some changes in order to REVIVE ourselves. This includes my husband’s quality of training, our relationship, and for me … a little TLC.
I (we) need to let go of routine.
In fact, we need an UNROUTINE…. to allow things to flow as is, naturally, in harmony.
Which, ironically, is similar to a rhythm. And after reading THIS devotional, I knew we needed to replace routine and embrace a NEW rhythm (temporarily). In fact, it was their definition of rhythm that truly struck a cord with me (pun intended)
Rhythm: a frame of mind that suggests more of an art. If you have rhythm, then whatever you decide to do with intention fits in the dance. Rhythm feels like choice and nuance and paying attention to your surroundings. Rhythm is alive and open to adjustments based on the circumstance. Rhythm focuses on needs.
Don’t get me wrong, routine can be good! It’s sooooooo needed during certain seasons of life.
But this season, right now, we need to cling to that second wind. We need to get out of own way, get out of our own routine, and just GO!
That being said, our bags are packed for two weeks, the car is fully loaded. Good training awaits, along with a few races. Hoping to visit a few friends, breathe some cool mountain air, and sync into a new rhythm.
Thanks Amanda for letting me think out loud today, UNroutinely.
Are you needing routine or rhythm?
Cheers from the Road!
Sherpa Wife
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p.s.
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I love routine, but I am learning to let things happen right now too. It is tough, and I definitely understand your lifestyle, and how it cannot all be planned out. I go through that too, but I am glad you are getting away. Have a WONDERFUL time!!!
LOVE THIS as I used to be hardcore routine.
until marriage
and a child
now Im a laidback rhythm gurl and far happier
i get that.. and your rhythm is set perfect
Just what I’ve been thinking about lately! I feel better with a routine but I would love to get to the point of being okay and feeling relaxed enough to go with the flow. It’s an ongoing conflict for me and something I hope to be able to do more of.
you’ll get there, maybe after your training and racing has passed, take that break
Have a wonderful time! That’s so funny, Dan’s family listens to Gloria E on road trips so I just busted out laughing. xoxo
can we get that on video? bahaha
It’s weird for me to think that I”m letting go of the routine soon too…as in the next few days. But quite honestly, sometimes I think it’s what we need to revive ourselves a bit.
you got that right! and i’m so excited for you!
I can totally relate. This was me after LP. Our entire August has been dedicated to just being. Hard with kids…they don’t quite understand this concept yet. It has been interesting to see what has emerged – new opportunities, new conversations, new connections, new ways of looking at old things. Although, my routine is always just a framework. I allow a lot of flexibility (again…kids) and grace in our schedule but it is still good to let go of it all. Letting it all go is just one more challenge to overcome on the path of self-growth. Good post love 🙂 And that bracelet looks lovely on your wrist. xoxo
i knew you’d get me. you always do. sherpa mind reader
You’re so right, it is good to let go sometimes and UNroutine 🙂 I hope you guys have a nice and relaxing couple of weeks!
Have a wonderful trip! I will send out the goodies when you’re back 🙂
ENJOY!!
I’m feeling a little bit of the opposite right now… I feel like schedules have been all over the place the last several months and I’m ready for some routine + “normalcy”! That being said, I’m always trying to practice letting go and going with the flow a bit too. Have a wonderful and safe trip!! xo
i think it’s different in the summer with little ones, you need that schedule now. for mama’s sake! haha
I couldn’t be more excited for you to get to do this. I truly believe that Colorado heals all … the mountain air is so refreshing, relaxing, and reinvigorating. ENJOY, friend – you deserve it!
that it does! we need to stay here all summer! and see you
Routine is really helpful but things being mixed up lately has been so good for me. While work has still been routine and steady as we go….social life has been much different than normal, read: I actually have one. I think I dove so hard into working so much after some big life changes this year that the routine was really good for me because it distracted me and kept me occupied. Now that I’m coming out of my shell and feeling more like myself, changing things up has been really nice.I have a good routine of work and even training but still going with the flow on everything else has helped me create a balance I haven’t had before.
ahh i love that! it’s funny how routines can inhibit us from being social, yes?
So relevant for me right now. I need rhythm with all this OZ move stuff happening. I have so much to do and my schedule is all over the place until we leave on the 18th. Time to try really hard to stay present and enjoy the moment now and not worry about everything in the future! Easier said than done huh?
Have a fabulous trip lovely, I hope you get some much needed TLC 🙂 x
so much easier said than done, but you’ll find that rhythm soon, i know you will. give it time. xxoo
glad we got a moment to catch up, I’m so excited for you!
I used to cling on to routine like it was my best friend – I didn’t realise it was my worst enemy in disgusie!
Since releasing, letting go and going with the flo more, I have found a happier less stressful me and this has reflected in my work and all my relationships in such a positive way.
Enjoy reviving together and hope you manage to grab some TLC along the way! 🙂
agreed, routine is import. so is freedom.
amen to that kristin
I love this! Just graduating college I am wanting routine but not knowing where life is taking me next I need to let go an just go with the flow! As scary as it is, it is so exciting!
Enjoy the unroutine for a bit! So needed after college
You know I’m such a routine person it used to freak me out when I had to adjust my schedule. Now I just try to go with the flow. Life throws you so many unexpected things and sometimes you just need to roll with it.
i know you’ve had many rolls with the punches this summer! way to adjust!
My mom tried the rhythm method when they were getting preggo with my baby sister. They were trying to have a boy. It didn’t work. This is totally unrelated, but, in going with the Thinking Out Load theme, it’s what the word rhythm brings to mind for me. LOL!
LOL! now i dont want that to happen
I need some rhythm right now. Trying to stay positive with all the craziness going on… but it’s hard!
you can do it! keep me posted
I do need rhythm and routine – but I know how you feel – at the beginning of summer – I so crave an “unroutine” myself 🙂 Safe travels to you both!
i know i’ll crave routine later.. but for now.. unroutine it is! yes
I really enjoyed this post, and I really enjoyed the quote about routine looking different in every life.
I am looking forward to my routine coming back — well, a routine coming back. And to trying to keep up with that routine. Last year at school I didn’t have one, and it definitely caught up with me.
rest up friend. yo got this!
Have FUN! Rhythm vs Routine? Rhythm wins every time!!
I love that definition (or elaboration) too. Especially as I am working on re-tuning my body to naturtal circadian RHYTHMS… schedules can REALLY get in the way of that.
yes, i so get that. still working on mine too
I sat here thinking a break in routine is called vacay in these parts! That said, we’re just settling back into the school routine. Happy travels!
I really like that definition of rhythm!
Have a great trip full of rhythm and life!!!!
I think that I prefer a mixture of both which is good since no 2 days are ever exactly the same anymore!!!
haha yes, owning a business will do that to you.
I feel so lost without a routine, but I am trying to get better at just going with the flow! It can be so hard but its important to just be able to handle whatever comes at you in life- when things don’t go as planned I tend to freak out and I want to get better at just letting go of control. Have a great trip!
yes, so true friend and well said!
I love how we are always on the same page…seriously it is kind of weird sometimes! I haven’t been this relaxed in a while and it feels so good and needed. I know I’ll be ready for routine when I head back…or maybe I won’t…HAHA! Come live with me up here every September for a month…it’ll be our “get out of our routine time”. Dream big right?
I am a routine person. It helps to set my rhythm. These last few weeks have been very unroutine and I’ve cherished those moments. But at the same time, I feel super ungrounded right now and I think that it’s because of this transition time of year. Or something like that. Enjoy the 2 weeks!
Ah I crave routine almost always, it keeps me focused! But I agree that some times you just need to let go and go, enjoy!
I could write you a novel about this post but I need BOTH, a good balance & I love that quote! Enjoy your adventure 🙂 xo
I thrive on routine, but I do need to let my hair down more and just go with the flow!
I a recovering routine addict finding balance. Routine has it’s place but when it isn’t necessary I’m ok without it.
well said friend
Something i think MANY need to work on- I’m ironically away from ‘routine’- (hi from Melbourne) and it’s actually pretty damn refreshing!
amen to that! cheers mate!
Girl, AMEN to all of this!! I am a huge creature of habit and thrive on routine, but my recent trip to the west coast was a break from all my routines and it felt absolutely wonderful. Everything just felt amazing – no stress, plenty of laughing, walking around and being outside in the fresh air. Now I just need to find more ways to incorporate it all when I’m back here at home to ride that wave a little longer. Good luck with the training adventures over these coming weeks! 🙂
yes, my exact feelings… fresh air and feeling free
Love this! I was always a very routine life in university and during internship, and as much as it kept me organized, it also started to feel monotonous and boring. This past month and a half since I finished internship has been all about being out of my routine, and it has been just the break I needed.
Enjoy your trip girl!!
good to hear chels!! enjoy
Enjoy the time with Kiwi!
escaping the heat.. you should have come with
It’s funny: I am a creature of habit, so by definition, you’d think I would crave routine. But now that we are back in the school and soccer routine, I crave those unstructured days we had during our very short summer. I think you make a great argument for rhythm vs. routine.
we always want what we can have, yes? even with UNroutine/routine. soak up the season we’re in
I love this! I want a rhythm more than a routine.
oh but i think you have a great rhythm!
Adore this message and have this devotional saved to read WEEKLY because I need this reminder constantly! roll with the rhythm, embrace UNroutine sometimes! good luck friend on your weeks of travels xoxo
it’s a constant reminder for me too. OOF!
Love to the fam.
back at ya buddy!
Oof, I need to reflect on this and get it to really sink in for me. I am ALL about routines and plans and have a really tough time letting go of that… but you’re right that it’s really important to living a healthy, less-stressed life. Thanks for the reminder!
reflect and get back to me, okay? would love to hear your thoughts!
So happy you are packed up & gone to enjoy! Being 56, I know that life flies by way too quickly! You keep saying I will do this & that but you don’t – learn it young my friend!!! HUGS!!!!!!
hugs indeed! gotta live it up while we can
What a great definition of rhythm! Yes, an un-routine sounds much needed for you. Enjoy your travels!!
thanks friend! and enjoy your new routine!
we are girls that keep trying to make a routine, but really cannot stick to it. So we are learning to just be more present and go with the flow
amen! i knew you could relate. xxoo
I’ve been working on this myself- letting things go and trying to roll with the punches- find the rhythm and go with it. 🙂 happy training in CO! I hope one day I can come join you!!! it looks so amazing there!
i wish you were here too! what’s next for you?
Love this post and Gloria Estefan! I actually feel really stifled with too much routine even though I know sometimes it is so important,
well since you have twins, i know you need routine for your sanity! haha
Oh, friend. I SOOO love this. For both of us!!
Hope you all are enjoying your mountain time. I’m thinking lists of TLC is needed for both of you :). Xoxo
Work has been such a crazy place to be lately that when I get home, I embrace rhythm, and sometimes that rhythm includes nothing more than laying on the couch or going to bed super earlier in attempts to recharge my addled brain.
I hope your two weeks of rhythm traveling is a huge success, and if you find yourself near Ohio, you call me.
yup! i get that. don’t work too hard now
I get so sucked into my routine sometimes, it’s good to remember that it’s okay to let things flow. Hope you’re enjoying the time off and the training adventures!