DISCOMBOBULATED
Happy and holy Easter to you all. What is your custom for the holidays? In Jamaica it is eating lots of spicy bun and cheese, and swapping out other meatkind with fish. What is your custom for the holidays? In Jamaica it is eating lots of spicy bun and cheese, and swapping out other meatkind with fish
I decided to visit my parents in my home country, Trinidad, with my entire family. We booked flights; arranged accommodation; made plans for the security of our home and vehicles while away; made arrangements for the care of our plants; bought gifts; closed off existing work projects including facilitating an all-day event a couple days before my travel; secured the required currency for travel expenses; took the antigen test; completed the required travel paperwork; checked us in the night before the flight; and finally, packed (the hardest part of travel for me).
We arrived at 10:00 p.m. after a 5 hour flight. We spent the first day and 2 nights with one of my sisters, surprised my parents on day 2, and then participated in a family reunion and photo shoot with my extended family at my parents house on the same day. Right after that, we took a short trip to the sister island of Tobago, rested for a day upon our return, and then took an all-day road trip to Maracas where we enjoyed bake and shark, and then went on to the beach at Las Cuevas.
By now you may (or may not) have noticed that a lot happened over a short period of time, and I have not even captured half of what transpired. There was the change in time zone (Trinidad is one hour ahead of Jamaica); reconnecting with many friends and family; changes in locations and environments; changes in sleeping arrangements; changes in diet; changes in morning and night routines; and changes in hours of sleep and wake.
Now, while my parents and siblings are ‘spoiling’ me - doing everything within their power to ensure I am comfortable, well-fed (fattened up LOL), and enjoying my stay, nevertheless, I am a bit discombobulated (out-of-sorts).
Why? The absence of my usual routines and fairly recently adopted healthy habits - fixed sleep hours, exercise, food regimen etc. I planned for it and packed for it, and I am making a brave attempt, but…
… I am living out of my suitcase (by choice - my mother gave me drawers and closet space); eating different food than I have grown accustomed to eating (and loving it LOL); spending my days leisurely with no fixed plans; and going to bed and waking at random times. I am also trying to have a blend of business and leisure which is proving to be extremely difficult - given that I am visiting after four long years so I am veeeeeery distracted.
I now understand why famous performing artists ensure they take along specific people (entourage) and have specific accommodation and diet requirements when they travel to perform. They are not being difficult or pompous, it is a necessity if they are to feel and be at their best, and therefore perform at their best.
My current state is temporary and natural given the circumstances, but do you know that it is possible to live in a constant state of discombobulation when we live our lives for others and based on others’ agendas, and do NOT honour our own values, feelings, desires, preferences and needs. Does this sound familiar to you? Is this you?
Do you have healthy routines and life-promoting habits? Do you guard them with your life? We need to if we are to be our best, and be at our best. I wonder if this is what wise King Solomon meant when he said in Proverbs 4:23:
Below, for your weekend tip, I share the routines and habits that I have found helps me to be at my best (when I observe them!!!!). These habits can help you if you adopt them, no matter what your circumstances or constraints, because these are all things YOU have control over.
Your weekend Reset Tip
for this week therefore, is one I have encouraged before, but is sooooo important that I am repeating it:
If you want to take control of yourself and get rid of, or at least minimize discombobulation:
MAKE TIME for QUIET TIME - for reflection, prayer, bible-study, meditation, and journaling. For me this is done when everyone else is asleep - late at night or early morning. When is best for you? How about deciding right NOW?
Have consistent sleep and wake times, and get an adequate amount of night SLEEP
Exercise daily. MOVE YOUR BODY!!!!
Eat moderate, BALANCED MEALS with lots of raw, whole foods including fruits and vegetables, ideally all before 6:00 p.m.
Remain hydrated - drink lots of WATER daily
Have daily ROUTINES - morning routine, bedtime routine, sleep routine, work routines, break times, meals times, etc.
Prioritize SELF-CARE DAILY!!!
If you have been neglecting yourself and find that you are constantly discombobulated and need some help to recharge and reset your life, you may schedule a call with me here to see if my course: ‘Recharge and Reset: Maximize Your Potential and Fulfill Your Purpose’ is for you. Remember to share the blog with your friends and family."