Writing in the Stillness: Day 13: Create your Rhythm

Along with yesterday's post to "Envision," today's post will greatly enhance your sense of peace as you create your ideal, yet realistic daily routine.

There are many different words we use to describe the rhythm of our day....daily structure, routine, schedule, plan. I love the word "rhythm" because it sets me up for a reliable, yet flexible daily routine. For me, the other words seem too rigid, and I much prefer to flow through my day at a comfortable, disciplined, flexible pace.

Back on Day 2, when we talked about "Finding Yourself" I encouraged you to find a pace to move through your day that is comfortable for you. This helps in creating an ideal structure for your day.

As a quick review, here are the 4 questions I posed to help you find your movement:

Do you enjoy a fast-paced, goal-driven approach to life and the thrill that comes with each new accomplishment?
Or would you choose a slower, more flowing lifestyle that meanders through a flexible rhythm?
Maybe you prefer a highly-structured day, a routine that is steady and methodical yet still?
Or maybe you love to randomly bounce from one task or project to another in a fun, lighthearted fashion?

Once you have determined your movement, it's time to set up your daily rhythm (or routine, structure, plan....depending on your favorite term). I like to call mine my "Master Rhythm."

So let's get started! Here are 6 easy steps to creating your Master Rhythm:

Create your Master Rhythm where you will see it often. Whether you write it down on a piece of paper, type it on your computer, or use your phone calendar, make sure you hang it in a location you will see often or store it in a place you can easily access.
It doesn't have to be perfect!! I can't stress this one enough. Sometimes we are so concerned about creating the perfect schedule that we fail to create anything and then our days lean toward chaos. Anything is better than nothing. Use pencil if you are afraid of pen being too permanent.
Remember you can revise your Master Rhythm at any time!!! I can't even count the number of revised and brand-new rhythms I have created throughout the years. Each season requires different things. A schedule for a full-time student will look very different than one for a business owner or one for a stay-at-home mother. Even though I am a stay-at-home mother, my routine has changed dozens of times with the addition of each child and the differing needs of growing children.
Plan to revise or rewrite your Master Rhythm at the very minimum of once a year. Before my children were in school, I typically revised mine at the change of each season--Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Now that I have two children in school and one at home, I rewrite my rhythm once before the new school year and once before summer break. Then I make small revisions to my plan as needed.
Start with the non-negotiables. For me, no matter how many times I revise my daily/weekly rhythm, the following must always be included:

Daily scripture study, twice daily personal prayer, twice daily family prayer, adequate sleep for myself and my family, family dinner, weekly family home evening, Sunday church services, service in my church calling, a few minutes of daily playtime with my children, evening time with my husband, afternoon story time, planning-shopping for-and cooking healthy meals, exercise, and some time for myself to pursue some of my dreams.
NOTE: Your non-negotiables may be very similar or different than mine. That's okay. We are unique individuals with various needs. Schedule your most important priorities first and the rest will fall easily into place.

Start with what you Know!! I don't know about you, but when I look at a blank calendar or day planner with all of the times written down the left-hand side, I tend to get a little anxious. Where do I even start? A good rule of thumb is to start with what you know. Some of your non-negotiables you have been neglecting and so you don't quite know where to fit them in. That's okay. Start with the things you do know. Start with the daily habits that are essential and are already working. Pencil those in and then move onto the other essential non-negotiables that you're unsure about. If I start with what is already working, it makes this planning stage so much smoother.
Jump In! For me, planning always comes easier than execution. Don't be afraid to call your Master Rhythm "good enough" and try it out. Once again, it doesn't need to be perfect. Seasons change, we change, our family needs change, and that is okay. Change is part of life. I used to resent change and the inevitable fact that I had to rewrite my schedule so many times. I kept wondering if I would ever find "the perfect schedule." Let me tell you a little secret I learned: Every schedule you create is perfect for this particular moment in time. There isn't just one perfect schedule. There are many! Peace comes in creating a workable rhythm that allows you to focus on your priorities. If you are living your daily rhythm in a manner that brings you joy and peace, then it is the perfect rhythm at this time for you. Trust in this.