The Freedom of Flexibility and Adaptability

Finding and Excepting Balance in Wellness and Self-Care

sometimes adapting is learning to talk to a volleyball

Last week, I shared how my morning routine has positively transformed my life. Every word I wrote remains true, and I have no plans to change any of it anytime soon. However, it's important to acknowledge the potential danger that comes with having such a routine.

The danger lies in the routine becoming a sort of superstitious dependency. In other words, you become so reliant on that specific routine that if you happen to miss it or deviate from it, you feel as though your entire day or even week is ruined.

I have personally experienced this in the past. I would establish a routine, often one that was quite challenging, and diligently follow it for a few weeks or months. However, inevitably, life would throw a curveball, causing me to miss a day of my routine or disrupt it due to unforeseen circumstances. As a result, I would feel as if my entire day was ruined and all the progress I had made was lost. I would abandon the routine and revert back to my life without structure, often slipping back into unhealthy habits. It became a frustrating and vicious cycle, all because I had become overly dependent on that specific routine.

When I miss my morning routine

Adaptability = Resilience

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, life throws us those curveballs. We may become ill, unexpected work or personal obligations arise, or our kids get sick and require more of our attention and care. These disruptions can easily interrupt our carefully crafted routines.

In these moments it becomes important to accept that life is not perfect. We cannot expect our lives to unfold without any disruptions. Instead, we must develop the ability to adapt. Adaptability is a skill in itself, one that requires regular practice. When our routines are interrupted, it presents an opportunity for growth through adaptation.

Accepting and embracing these interruptions is essential to building resilience. Life's challenges, whether big or small, provide us with valuable chances to develop our ability to adjust and overcome obstacles. When we learn to navigate unexpected circumstances, we cultivate resilience and gain confidence in our ability to face whatever life may throw at us.

It's important to remember that a routine is not a rigid set of rules but a tool to help us improve our lives more effectively. By cultivating adaptability alongside our routines, we can strike a balance between structure and flexibility. This mindset shift allows us to view interruptions as opportunities for growth and development rather than setbacks.

Be Flexible, Give Yourself Grace

Over the 4th of July weekend, I had the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved four-day break. My family and I made the decision to head up into the mountains for a getaway filled with kayaking and swimming. We set off on Sunday and spend the day kayaking and open water swimming.

On Monday, we allowed ourselves a bit of extra rest and relaxation, waking up a little later than usual. We returned to the lake for another day of fun-filled activities. We then spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying some downtime.

Tuesday I rose early and went for a run taking advantage of the high altitude. It was a tough but fulfilling run. The air was clear, the birds were chirping. It was a very peaceful morning

Each of these days was a significant deviation from my regular morning routine, which I rely on for setting myself up for success. Normally, Sundays are my designated rest days, Mondays involve weightlifting, and Tuesdays are dedicated to speed work for running. This last week, however, I indulged in snacks and foods that I typically don't consume during the week, and even enjoyed a few weekday beers, which I rarely do.

Surprisingly, none of these deviations caused my life to unravel or my progress to be lost. When Wednesday morning arrived after the holiday, I resumed my routine and felt great.

I've come to understand and accept that a few off days, particularly when spent with my family, won't completely derail everything I have been working towards. Three days out of thirty won't undo all of my efforts.

It's crucial for us to grant ourselves the flexibility to enjoy our lives. While we should strive to make mindful health and fitness choices during vacations, holidays, or when traveling, we shouldn't allow a few off days to crush our spirits.

Lets be flexible and be able to adapt. Lets enjoy life while we pursue positive growth.

Until next time

-Me First Mentality