New Rhythms

There is not a typical rhythm to my day or week. At least it’s very minimal. I’ve tried to have a consistent morning and evening routine over the last twenty-five years. Some of the elements are the same, but not always in the same order.

I don’t do well with rigidity of routine. There has to be a flow. It’s the rigidity of routine that trips me up and I feel like a failure. I didn’t have X number of minutes reading my Bible or studying. I didn’t follow a plan to the letter. I didn’t check all of the boxes. And it leaves me wanting to avoid all the boxes.

What if rhythm looks more like sheet music from a symphony? There’s a flow and it looks a little different in each measure, but it’s all connected. One day flows into the next and together it makes a beautiful life. It makes me realize that I could add another beat or instrument without ruining it.

This year I’m adding the instrument or element of writing. I’ve tried in the past to make this a habit. However, this year I’m pairing it with another established habit. I will write on the days that I run. You know, like the buddy system at summer camp. I will already know that it is a run day and now it will be a run/write day. They can help and encourage one another like cheerleaders or accountability partners.

It sounds plausible anyway, and there is only one way to find out. I will try it. It will be an experiment. Experiments are awesome. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t, but you learn something along the way. So here’s to 2021’s experiment. I will let you know how it goes.