SIMPLICITY, STRUCTURE AND ROUTINE IN STRESSFUL TIMES
“Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert Einstein
I’m so grateful and fortunate. How to live with structure and routine was modeled for me in 1988 at an Arizona treatment center in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains. It’s where I chose to unabashedly clear the clutter of my past to find simplicity, peace, self-love and forgiveness.
I mention the location because this awesome and spiritual place was perfect for me. After years of unhealthy living and avoiding God, He came to life for me first in the sunsets, triple rainbows, full moons and sunrises, and then in the people with whom I had so much in common.
The combination of hitting bottom, being sick and tired of being sick and tired and being ready to change – along with a gorgeous environment in which to breathe, release my toxic secrets and connect with women just like me – was my most golden opportunity ever! It was there in the middle of stress and difficulty – to say the least.
Choosing to go to this Tucson treatment center, I was making the decision to do what they suggested. I followed what felt healthy for me. I ended up doing the right thing, the right way at the right time. My heart knew. My body knew. I trusted this entire experience.
I soaked it all up: simplicity, structure and routine. Living this way has given me a life beyond my wildest dreams.
My passion is helping other women find their path to an amazing life, filled with inner peace, self-love and joy.
LET’S ADMIT: TIMES ARE STRESSFUL – AND YOU HAVE A DECISION TO MAKE.
TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE YOUR APPROACH TO STRESS. BREAK THROUGH WHAT KEEPS YOU STUCK, CLUTTERED AND DISSATISFIED.
Simplicity for me is about being free of clutter, chaos, guilt and drama – and being true to myself. (It’s not about selling all of my worldly goods and taking off for the Himalayas.)
Structure is the general way I’ve chosen to set up my life. I see it as the way in which I live out my Life Pie Chart (with all of the dimensions positively activated). This does not mean that I’m emotionally high as a kite and zooming around under severe stress. On the contrary – I have inner peace! My structure is relaxed, authentic and intentional. I have a personal life and I have a career. Family and friends. Emotional, mental and physical health. Faith and fun. Love and laughter.
Routine is what I do each day in ritual to myself. Self-care rituals are important as they buoy my spirit, uplift my soul, strengthen me physically and help me connect to my heart.
By the way, I maintain a standard of imperfection!
NON-NEGOTIABLE SELF-CARE, ROUTINES AND RITUALS DO NOT REQUIRE THAT YOU DO THINGS PERFECTLY.
I have deep gratitude for having learned the basics of how to live in balance most of the time, especially in times of stress and difficulty. Keep It Simple, Sweetie (KISS). One Day at A Time (ODAT). To Thine Own Self Be True. Sayings I learned in 12-step programs apply to my life as much today as they did in 1988.
My design for living includes a clear conscience, a good night’s sleep, time for morning coffee and contemplation, journaling, nurturing my garden, moving my body (I like to have an accountability partner for workouts), having three meals a day and plenty of water, working from and with passion, connection with other humans and going about my days intentionally and unrushed.
Admittedly, I like to drive fast. When I catch myself negatively impacting others (being rude), I gently ask myself if I am in a hurry. Generally, I’m not and will throttle back. (I don’t like it when other drivers take out their rush and frustration on me either.)
I love my cats who are super cool and affectionate. They help me sit still because they’re so dang cuddly when I do. Though I am very comfortable at my home (my oasis), I watch for too many days without people interaction (smile).
When I struggle with routine, something’s going on with me. Maybe I’m triggered, feeling shame, afraid, angry, grieving, lonely or craving to get outdoors and have some fun. I sit quietly long enough to notice how my body is speaking to me. Tight shoulders, dull headache, knotted stomach, lower back pain, crampy calves, jumpy feet, or being super sleepy in the middle of the day – whatever it is, I pay attention and I journal.
WHEN YOU REALIZE YOU’RE OUT OF BALANCE, MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AND HEALTHY CHOICES – EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY, OR SPIRITUALLY.
YOU HAVE SOME TOOLS, AND THERE ARE MORE…
The greatest gift I can give you – in addition to a planning session with me – is the truth. It’s 100% possible to live in simplicity, structure and routine, take care of yourself above all and be accountable for your health, goals and dreams. You’ve made it right here – BRAVO!
Now’s the time for you to choose you. It has been my personal experience that this journey is easier with a trustworthy support system and a certified life coach (who brings a can of whoop-a*s if needed… wink).
Book call with me here and let’s talk about where you are, what’s not working and what you want to do about it. Decide to travel your path to the life you have always wanted.
I know you are worthy. Do you?
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