It’s an incongruous pairing.
I’m a routine person. I thrive in predictable patterns, set schedules and dependable habits.
Living nomadically does not lend itself to structure. Nine months ago, my wife and I sold our home and most of our possessions and hit the road, living in short term rentals, cruise ships, pet-sitting locations, and with friends and family. The freedom and spontaneity have been amazing, but it’s hard to keep a routine when you’re regularly in different places.
One of the many lessons nomadic life is teaching me is to reframe my perspective on inevitable interruptions to my cherished routines. Here are some ways I’m trying to live that out:
1. Live in the moment
I excel at processing the past and anticipating the future. I struggle to be present, mentally and emotionally engaged in the here and now, savoring what’s right in front of me. It’s a tired but accurate cliche based on a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt—Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present. I’m trying to live in the moment, even in the midst of interruptions.
2. Find God in everything
I have a 40 minute spiritual practice each morning (10 minutes of spiritual reading, 10 minutes of silent meditation, 20 minutes of prayer). I love it. It grounds me and prepares me mentally and emotionally for the day, but sometimes that routine just doesn’t work with our nomadic schedule. I lack either the time or the space or both. I’m learning to remember that the practice isn’t the point—connecting with God is. As I believe that God is everywhere and in everything, I’m learning to find God in whatever activity demands my time and attention throughout the day.
3. Embrace spontaneity
Spontaneity does not come naturally to me. I’m far too rigid and controlling. I’m trying to look at spontaneous interruptions as opportunities to pivot from my plans and embrace what gifts the unexpected has to offer. Some of the best moments of my life, as well as the deepest lessons, have come from what I initially saw as interruptions.
How do you view interruptions? When they inevitably come, take a breath. Try to reframe your perspective. Live in the moment. Find God or the universe or your higher power in everything. Embrace spontaneity. If you do, you’ll have more peaceful, enjoyable life, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.
Interested in checking out my books? Find more info at MattMcMann.com.