It's Tuesday at 2:00pm! (PST Time: I live and work from Southern California)
Currently, I'm exploring different leadership quotes on this blog post, and pulling out some application for all of us. This is part of my personal journey to keep growing, learning and being stretched! Join me each Tuesday at 2:00pm (PST). It will take you just a few minutes to read through the 2 sections of this post, but don't miss the final section where I share some of the things I'm reading, listening to and enjoying this week.
Russ
LEADERSHIP QUOTE:
"Find a rhythm that enhances your life not a routine that stifles it." Morgan Harper Nichols
What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.
A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:
I'm a "recovering drummer". I played the drums beginning in 3rd grade and played through all of my school years, and was planning on pursuing music in college when I realized I was tired of hauling my drums everywhere I went, and I envied the people who just had to carry a guitar! I got a guitar, and have picked up the drums from time to time over the years, but primarily enjoy playing the guitar.
However, there's still a "rhythm" in me. I often beat my hands, fingers, feet, head to any song that's playing, and once in a while Gina will gently reach over and stop me, especially when my tapping is making noise!
In church recently I found myself anticipating the drum fills that would come in each of the songs that were being played, and I found joy in the anticipation of each of these sounds by an excellent drummer.
Rhythm.
I found a definition for rhythm recently that defined it as this: "A repeatable, predictable pattern that not only brings about a physical comfort, but an emotional and mental one as well."
I do find comfort in rhythm, and I'm currently enjoying a season of life where I have been able to create some rhythm in my life, and it brings comfort.
I read the quote above and have been thinking about "RHYTHM VS. ROUTINE". What do those 2 words mean to you? Are they the same?
DEEPER STILL:
This past week, I decided to "get off coffee" for a week. I found that I was drinking too much on a daily basis, so I went cold turkey and just stopped.
It was a miserable week.
I realized that coffee is a part of my rhythm. My morning "routine" starts with coffee, and all week I just found that I was missing something. The 7-day experiment is over, and as long as I can limit my coffee intake to 1 or 2 cups a day instead of the 11 cups I had last Thursday, I'll be ok.
Rhythm is important, and I'm working on discovering what that is at this stage of my life. Rhythm is a part of my personal life, my family and my work. When I'm "out of sinc" I feel it everywhere.
Rhythm is a part of my daily schedule and the way I manage my energy.
Rhythm is simply walking at the beach regularly with Gina and enjoying the beauty around us.
Rhythm is sitting with my coffee, my journal and my calendar and thinking about what's important in my life today and what I need to spend my time doing.
Rhythm is the nap I took recently that was simply a way to replenish my tired body and soul.
Rhythm is talking to God and learning to listen better to his voice and promptings in my life.
Rhythm is doing life with my kids and parents and enjoying both planned and spontaneous time together.
Rhythm is the unexpected joy of an inspirational coffee appointment or a lunch with someone where you get to share your story and listen to theirs.
Rhythm.
What does "Real Rhythm" look like in your life? Have the "routines" in your life become dreaded and mechanical? What do you do that enhances your life?
Things I'm Reading, Listening To and Watching This Week:
Speaking of drumming, you have to listen to this YouTube by Rick Beato called "Top 20 Drum Grooves of All Time". If you're a musician, you'll enjoy this list.
I've shared this APP before, but check out The One Minute Pause App from Wild at Heart. Really simple and practical ways to slow down and find your rhythm.
Here's another How I Built This Podcast from Guy Raz in an interview with Jimmy Fallon. Really good.
Here's an article called "Finding Your Work Rhythm in 5 Steps" from Jaselin Drown at SNP.
Five Ideas a Day is a simple newsletter that sends out 5 random ideas just to get you thinking "outside the box".