I have previously written in both this Friday Letter and my book, Walking Forward, about the power of your daily habits to help you find stable footing when life feels wonky. And, how habits are a tool to propel you in the direction you want to go. But what does this look like when the season of life is busy?
This week, I am reminding myself that ... habits aren’t about precision; habits are about intention.
You see, some of my core daily habits have looked a little different since the start of November. My workout routine, when I move my body, my daily walks, my writing, journaling and meditation practice have all been modified in some way. Even how I had been planning and preparing nourishing meals earlier in the Fall looks different right now.
The past six weeks have seen a shift in my daily routine. I have had more mornings when I've had to be out the door first thing. I've been driving longer distances than usual. And, the evenings have been occupied more than the previous few months.
The rhythm of my daily routine has been turned upside down.
Where I would normally workout in the morning I am now crunched for time. If I've been out in the evening the last thing I want to do is walk in the cold, dark November night when I get home. And, I find myself scrambling to grocery shop and prep food for the week on Sunday afternoons.
Remembering what works and making that a priority is what has made a difference this season.
For example, I know I need to move my body every day. Ideally, it is in the morning before the noise of others' demands takes over but if it doesn't happen then I've been conscious about carving out a window of time elsewhere. I know I need to walk daily for my mental and physical health. But truthfully, there have been days when I skipped my walk and I can tell you I notice how it feels when I do and when I don't.
The past weeks have been a reminder that my core daily habits matter not just to say I did them but because they help me! The days won't ever line up perfectly. I can strive to do all the things at the ideal time of day but life will happen, I don't exist in a petri dish, and sometimes I just gotta roll with it.
What matters is that I move my body every day. It matters that I walk every day. It matters that I write in my journal every day. The how and when might look different than I'd planned but doing the thing that keeps me on track is what is important.
And, most importantly, if I miss one day I never miss two.
Just because I didn't do what I said I'd do one day doesn't mean I give up. As I said earlier, habits are about intention, not precision. Keep going. Keep moving forward.
Tell me, have you noticed that your daily routines have shifted lately? Surely I am not the only one!
I'll be back next Friday with more and, in the meantime, I wish you an active, light-filled weekend.
Walking forward with gratitude,
Sarah