Finding Rhythm
Wildwood Trail, Forest Park, Portland, OR — May 1, 2020
Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again? A.A. Milne
In working to find a rhythm these last weeks, I realized I’ve been resisting it by doing busywork. It’s a stress trigger. So I took some time out to dig deeper and discover what’s been working and what hasn’t.
I'm (mostly) outcome-driven. I’ve learned the last decade (or so) that having a rhythm and structure around parts of the day allows me the freedom and joy to do what I love, personally and professionally. Busywork means I’ve lost sight of the outcomes and goals (easy to do these days) I have set. When this happens I need to take time away from the office to dig deeper. By going inward to dig deeper I’m able to discover what’s going on and why goals and outcomes aren’t happening.
Last week? Classic. I was stressed because I didn’t have goals or outcomes mapped out. So much is in flux in today’s changing environment, but I try to set 2 to 3 a week. realizing this was a win, of sorts.
It’s no secret that I head into nature on the bike, onto the trails, or the open water when my stress level is high. Nature and the beauty that lives within it are my equalizers. They remind me that there is a rhythm to This Life, and that should and could are not part of nature’s make-up. Those goals can be — to rest, to think, to discover, and work. They don’t always have to be action-oriented. It’s a decidedly slower outlook than I’m used to, but no less powerful. With a bit more time in the saddle and on the trails last week unearthed the following:
What isn’t working?
• The aggressive cheerfulness of gurus - health, self-help, etc. - and their words telling me how I may feel is sugar sweet. I appreciate their intent, but I’m noticing it more now than I ever did, and it’s bothersome.
• The constant aggressive sales pitches of how to sell, when to sell, now’s the time to sell — is a constant rambling that smacks of aggressive marketing that drives purchasing from a place of FOMO.
• The emails that suggest to me what I have to do next to survive, succeed, grow, live, pay the bills, etc. are wearisome. Let’s call it - we don’t know the outcome. Let’s work from that position. Because if we do, we may get further and start to be able to build coalitions, partnerships, etc. and work together as communities vs. one for one.
• Try not to reach for 4-6 goals a week. It’s probably too much. Instead, set 2 goals and outcomes a week, and be flexible to add another one as needed depending on the ever-changing landscape. Cap it at 3 — I don't know about you, but my brain capacity is less these days. For now, that is enough and a lot.
What is working?
• Unsubscribing from said emails. (Though who knows how a new crop emerges each week!)
• Keep subscribed to content that fills me with the feeling of community and love. Know that marketing and sell in these times is absolutely OK - but we’re heading into a recession and that requires marketing, communication, and selling to be adjusted.
• Set blocks of time for the first half of the day through lunch to do client work, write, and do my own business building work. Use the afternoon for outdoor time, making and creating, and client work as needed.
• Seek out resources that offer options and insights so that I can make informed decisions — be it medical, business, work, or personal.
• Get outside – with friends, family, and alone. Every day.
• Stay connected to my chosen family not in Portland via Zoom and phone calls.
• Try not to go sideways if my newish work routine and rhythm go cattywampus. Take a break. See where I am. Make a decision. Get back on the horse (so to speak) and take one step forward.
• Ask for help — not always the easiest thing to do – but do.
• Take care of my mental wellness. If needed, remind myself that I am enough and that the pace I am going is the pace I’m meant to be moving.
Most Importantly?
Honor that as a heart-led woman and business I’m in new(ish) territory. Aren’t we all? That a big piece of my time in the weeks to come will be in finding and setting a new rhythm – to life, work, creating, and well-being – within a framework that is grounded and built on abundance in motion and my principles and values of; 1. the heart, 2. nature & this earth, 3. courage & integrity, 4. investing my time (& heart) in people & community – sustainably.
I own that a new rhythm and routine will look and feel like a slog some days. That when this arises that I need to acknowledge I’m slogging but that each step will be a contribution and new learning towards creating something new on the other side of this new normal.
I'm in an endurance race and block training of life. I’m in this for the long-haul.
What about you? Are you finding your new rhythm?