Letting Go of Routine

What do you do when your life is shaken up and your normal routine is thrown out the window? What happens when you have family in town visiting, your manager gives you a huge project to handle, or you find yourself overwhelmed with BBQs, summer parties and weddings? Do you still try to fit in everything that you normally do throughout the week? That’s what I used to do.

I used to fight against the changes in my schedule.

I used to over-pack my days with responsibilities and to-do lists.

I used to think I needed to do everything or else I wasn’t as valuable, as strong or as capable.

I used to feel guilty when I didn’t get everything on my to-do list done even though I knew I was taking on too much.

I used to ignore the growing anxiety and stress that was eating away at my smiles and confidence.

I used to tie my self-worth with my productivity.

Then I began to realize that by cramming an already busy schedule with all of the things I thought I needed to do was taking away from just living a happy and healthy life. I wasn’t being mindful of my time, my family and friends or my own self-care. I was letting my responsibilities, obligations and to-do lists take over my life.

So when Josh and I planned on staying with our amazing friends, Jay and Alexis, for a week I told myself: don’t fight against the change and let go of your routine. By giving myself permission to enjoy the time spent with my friends and not get hung up on what I “should” be doing made the week so much more fun, care-free and relaxing. Rather than rushing up to my room to write another chapter of my book I connected and shared with the friends that were so willing to open their home to us.

This week I choose to connect, to be mindful of those around me and to let go of routine and I am so glad I did…

Do you find it hard to let go of your routine? If so it’s okay! Even though I mindfully went into this week aware of my change in routine I still struggled at times with the never-ending need to cross things off my to-do list. But you know what? Everyday it got a little easier. And the best part is, I don’t regret how I faced this week. I didn’t try to overwhelm myself or fight the change. I was mindful and accepted my surroundings and as a result I had a great week.

Here’s another great video talking about self-care and how to be kind to yourself when you need it the most. Jen and Dani share their experiences dealing with life and how important it is to give yourself permission to ssllloowwwww down.

Oh!! And if you’re in the Boston and free on August 25th you should definitely get a pass to Wellness by the Water, an amazing, nourishing day-long retreat for the mind, body and soul hosted by two of the most gorgeous souls I’ve ever met, Kendall from On An Inhale and Celeste from Boston Sports Club Personal Training.