I am on day five of a seven day road trip.
I started by flying to New York on Thursday and speaking on Fort Hood Army Base on Friday and Saturday, followed by church on Saturday night, and then a flight from New York to Arizona to speak to a group this morning, and will be speaking at one of my favorite groups, La Casa de Cristo on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Whew.
In between, I am meeting with fellow writers, event planners, answering emails.
There have been time changes, eating at weird times, traveling in tiny airplanes (when I have to bend down to get into an airplane, you know it’s small,) sleeping in three different hotels, and washing my clothes in sinks.
It’s been a little crazy.
We all have our own version of crazy. Maybe it’s a new routine for your kids, a move, or a change to a summer schedule. Maybe you have out of town guests, an illness in the family, or something else that’s throwing you off kilter.
As I get a few more punches on my life card, I’m realizing that no day is going to be a “normal” day. I need to make myself a heaping bowl of normal especially on the days what are SO not normal.
1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Um. Yeah. Order. Routine. These are words that scared me in my 20s. Now, they are what I need to live.
Here are some of my “routine” things that help me keep my life in order when my schedule is anything but:
- Devotions I need something, everyday. Right now, I’m reading Jesus calling on my phone ever day. It may not be perfect, but it’s something.
- Stretching OK – I am not actually exercising when I’m at my craziest, but I do stretch with large, rubber bands with a video on my iPad. Even ten minutes makes me wake up in the morning.
- Schedule the Love Roger sends me a picture of my puggle, Jake, everyday, while I’m traveling. I also make sure there is a chance to talk with Roger even on my busiest days.
- Quiet Time Whether I’m crazed at home or on the road, I need to have a little quite time.Research shows that if you can take a nap, even for 20 minutes, it’s the best thing you can do for your health, productivity, and energy. Even if you don’t sleep, just resting will help your day.
Is there anything you do, even when life is at it’s craziest, that brings you peace and joy? How do you keep your routine when life is anything but?
nice… I really have to say I love going to our local Y. I have newborn twins and a three year old, and the gym provides 2 hours of free childcare per day. I get to sit and breathe on my own, exercise and even take a shower and blow dry my hair and look “pretty”. Ah…. relaxing.. Now only if I can incorporate those two hours at home… hmmmm tips?
Great thoughts Kathi! And the rest of you! Routine and order are returning to my world. They have been absent for 30 years or so (you can say that when you are 60). I welcome them back and look for normal that I don’t recognize so I can add them to my routine list.
Oh… I’m having one of those tired days, and I feel like a nap is totally out of the question, but I could unplug and go do nothng and rest for 20 minutes easily enough. Sounds like it might really be worth it!
I find time every day to read either a book or a magazine. Not only does it help me relax but if I’m reading a magazine I get ideas for decorating and yummy new recipes to try.
What is the iPad app you use for stretching? I would like to add that to my day.
I try to do something creative everyday. Some days I have enough time to sew and quilt. Other days all I have time to do is take a picture with my phone of something beautiful that made me smile. Being aware of the beauty and creativity that surrounds me daily helps me stay calm. Your idea of a nap or designated relax time is also very helpful.
Taking time in the morning to read a devotion and check my email for inspirational notes like yours helps me start my day on the right foot, ready for whatever chaos is coming my way.
Great reminders, Kathi! When life is crazy, at least we can start our days off with some devotional and quiet time. I also like to take a hot bath and read to help me unwind when I am surrounded by chaos. Even if it’s only for 10 minutes, my bath time at night helps me to unwind.
Thanks for these great tips/reminders. I try to take a little time each day to crochet. It relaxes me, and it is fun to make something.