Hi! Just call me Stella.
This past January I found a groove that worked. I didn’t find it by accident. It took some deep thought, intentional planning, and discipline, but the groove allowed me to spend focused time hanging out with God, exercising, sharing breakfast with Bob on the deck, and planning my day. I had breathing space.
For almost five months it all worked beautifully. I lost 15 lbs., structured the day intentionally, and lived beyond the To Do List. Stella was happy.
But about mid May a series of life circumstances derailed me. My fairly new MacBook Pro completely shut down and required a new logic board. I made two trips out of town that were extra-specially terrific and then brought a family member home for a month to help her get reoriented to a new lifestyle.
I realize now, I allowed the combination of those things – some challenging, some exceptionally wonderful – and my reaction to them, to steal my groove.
I want it back!
After a great Father’s Day Weekend, once all the houseguests were gone, I set about restoring rhythm to my life.
It’s probably safe to say most of us feel life whirs by every week like cars on some NASCAR speedway. If we aren’t paying attention whole months are gone before we wake up and decide to take action.
Here are 5 things I did to get my groove back.
- I slept in Monday morning. (That means I got up at 7:15 instead of 6:30.) I needed it. I was tired. Most of us don’t get enough sleep to recharge our bodies. I don’t usually need more than 7 hours a night, but without it, I lose my rhythm quickly.
- I went back to The Skinny Rules. Along with the app Lose It I can stay on track every day. During those weeks of eating sugar and more carbs than normal, I was tired, bloated, and my bones ached. I couldn’t believe how much what I was eating affected my body and mood.
- I spent most of Monday setting things in order. I cleaned, straightened, organized, shopped for good food, and worked on a new schedule for myself. There’s something about disorder that paralyzes me when it comes to doing the creative work I’m called to do.
- I found my quiet place. For me, it’s one of two places: outside on the deck (weather permitting), or my reading chair in the office. If I’m on the deck, I have a basket at hand that I keep near the French doors that lead outside. In there are Bibles, note paper, markers, pens and other devotional reading material. My journal comes with me to both places. In my office, I have all the tools close at hand so I can cut down on distractions. My phone and computer are out of reach for that time. Time of refreshing in the presence of God! Without it, I’m dead in the water.
- I created some relaxation time. Monday night, after a day of playing Mrs. Clean at Simplicity Cottage, we had good friends over to watch a great movie. They, too, had hosted family for the weekend and were expecting new houseguests later this week. We were all tired and just wanted to Do Nothing. It felt good to just watch someone else’s life (LOL) for two hours.
I’m happy to report that come Tuesday morning – while she didn’t go to Montego Bay, Jamaica or meet a new guy twenty years her junior – this Stella got her groove back and is sailing a smooth course again.
What helps you get the rhythm back in your life? How does it feel to breathe free again?
What a fun blog Cathee! You shared some important stuff, the greatest for me being, “if we aren’t paying attention, whole months are gone”. How true! Loving these summer days and I am trying to pay attention to each one. Thanks Toots.
I know you are wringing every good thing out of each moment. I love you for that, Fran!
Sometimes it’s difficult to understand why all the structure. However, the end result is far better fom me when it comes together for you. Aren’t you glad we are so different? I love you Blogster Queen.
I am. And especially that I’m your queen!
Excellent timing for me on this one, Cathee! I apparently lost my groove sometime in April, and didn’t quite realize it until I read this! Thanks for some insights and suggestions! 🙂
While we are different, we are so much alike! I’m getting back into my groove after the past ten joyful days with kids and 4 grand kids under age five underfoot. Entropy in living color! Little Claire was ill and cried most of the night before leaving. I was tired. Decided to allow myself a full day to clean, reorganize, plan. That felt good. Still need groceries again, catching up at the gym, accompanying Mom to her doctor visit, setting up my new LAPTOP! I think I’ll be fully back in the groove sometime tomorrow,or maybe the day after or the day after that… You get the picture. 😉
Sue
I thought you might find some similarities here. Life is FULL and it’s good to remind each other to stop and breathe.
Love you,
Cathee
I am finally off work for the summer! 🙂 I am building new habits by getting up in the morning and going directly into my “room” to read my devotionals for the day. I then eat and spend time with my husband and when he pushes off to work, I have been getting on my bike to ride 5 miles a day. When I return, I do sit ups, push ups and bicep curls. I am eating and sleeping better than ever!
My groove is about to be tested with the arrival of my sister-in-law and her family. Spending time with them is usually a very active time for us. I am looking forward to days at the lake at the new Bowen house and swimming every day.
I would love to come by and visit Simplicity Cottage while I am there and talk to you about your writing. Do you have time June 28th through the 4th, Cathee?
Sharon
I would love that!! I will definitely be there and would love to talk to you. Where is the new Bowen house? Did you sell the old one? The last time I drove by something didn’t look right. Let’s make an appointment so we don’t miss this opportunity. Call me at 239.564.5092 once you get settled in. Is Kelly and fam coming? I’m praying you can keep your groove even with all the disruption and vacation. 🙂
Cathee
Thanks, Cathee, for the GROOVE reminder. I think that is the hardest part of trying to live a disciplined life. We so easily get off track. We are commuting to help a church four hours away each weekend and I get ‘ungrooved’ by the time we return, unpack, do laundry, catch up on sleep AND my daily disciplines. Oh how I miss exercise and get behind on my daily reading and memorization when I get out of the groove. THANKS for cheering us all on to ‘stay in the groove.’
You always make me think! I have mixed feelings on the ‘groove’ – I am comfortable in the ‘groove’ and even think it is more important the older I get. In fact, with out that special time with the Lord (a necessary groove), I am a mess in every way. But then, I can get very restless there and there are few challenges. I must like the balance – not so much chaos that I can’t see the Lord in the situation, and not so much structure that I miss the opportunities. That’s probably more than enough analysis for one afternoon! I loved Bob’s comment!
Thanks, sister, for the R&R – and for being you – love you!
That’s the best news all day. That I made you think. You crack me up with the analysis comment. We can certainly overdue that, can’t we? Loved your comment, Susan.
Yes, Kelly and the family will arrive tomorrow! We are excited to share this time with them every summer at Camp Bowen. Camp Bowen has moved to Lake June Point. Irving suffered has suffered a few damaging strokes over the last year, which has caused quite a few changes in all of our lives. One of them is a new permanent home for them at the Lake.
I will call you when we get settled.
Dear Cathee,
I can really relate to Stella. Now that I know my problem, I can work on getting my grove back. Thanks for sharing, Sue