THE TOGETHER ACT BLOG
  • Blog
  • Website
  • WORK WITH ME
  • About
  • SEARCH
  • Blog
  • Website
  • WORK WITH ME
  • About
  • SEARCH
​
Welcome...

This space is all about seeking
the moments that cause 
'excited chills' and creating a life 
that's simple, authentic and beautiful. 



Same Stuff, Different Day- What to do when life feels stale

2/2/2018

4 Comments

 
Picture


​Happy Groundhog Day. Which I personally think should be Groundhog’s Day, but that’s just my opinion. This odd holiday doesn't effect me much because regardless of whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, I’m planning for an early spring. I do find it interesting that since the 1993 release of the movie by the same name, Groundhog Day has become pop culture slang for feeling like you are literally repeating days. Over and over and over.

Monotony.

Tedious repetition.

We’ve all been there. Same old, same old.

On one hand, creating routines is super helpful for making our lives run smoothly.
On the other, strict routines and regularly scheduled days can sometimes feel very much like a rut.


I’m a firm believer in implementing systems. I believe in devising a set way of doing necessary tasks so they aren’t forgotten in the shuffle of daily life.

Specifically, I have a fixed morning routine and an evening routine. As well as a Sunday morning routine… involving many loads of sheets!

But every so often the normalcy and familiarity of it all makes me want to scream!
I start to feel trapped on the proverbial hamster wheel!


When that feeling creeps in, I need a change. I long for something to shake up my identical days. I’m of the mind that a getaway to an exotic beach would certainly do the trick… but that solution is rarely in the cards.

So, I use three simple ways to change things up just enough to make me feel less like Bill Murray's character and more like a woman living her very best life!



Picture



Since I’m usually a stickler for adhering to my predetermined plan, sometimes I need a permission slip to allow myself to step away from my routine and venture down a different path. No medical doctor required. A post-it note will do. 

Grab one and try something like this: ​
Picture

Now, take action!
Once you’ve been 'given' permission, make a plan to change things up.


Here are my personal favorites for breaking the grip when life begins to feel repetitive...

1. Take a personal field trip -
All those spots you drive past and think, “I’ve always wanted to go in there and check it out”, this is your chance. I keep a running list of the places I want to visit. Then, when I need a change, I pick a spot and wander through. It's a great way to get to know new places and people in your very own town. If you already know your town like the back of your hand, no problem. Get started on the next town. 

 

2. Go down the rabbit hole - 
What are you curious about? Delve to your heart’s content. I have a hard time allowing myself to read, watch, listen to and research all of the topics that interest me. Whether for business or pleasure, I feel guilty when I spend too much time seeking and absorbing new information.

I was feeling like a lazy slug for scrolling through style and simplicity websites or watching YouTube videos to learn a new skill, when my awesome husband gently reminded me that Apple spends over $10 billion a year on R&D! The R&D phase matters!

So, I let go of the guilt and gave myself a permanent pass. If there’s something you’ve been wanting to know or learn, dig in. Get lost in every piece of information you can find. Soak it all in until your head starts to spin. New ideas are born here.

  


3. Call a friend -
Chances are she’s feeling the same way. Meet in a new spot for a walk or a cuppa. Think of a question to ponder and explore together… What’s your dream vacation? If you could have another first name, what would it be? What career would you pursue if you were to start over? What life hack do you wish you’d discovered? Consider your time together a gift to each other. Be fully present and bask in her amazing glow. 

  

4. Friendship First Date -
Now’s your chance. Reach out and make plans with your girl crush. We all have one. Who’s that girl you’d love to sit down with for an hour and get to know better? Contact her. This is a sure-fire way to shake off the doldrums and step out of your everyday groove.


5. Start small -
If the above options seem like they're just too much to consider... simply take a baby step. Drink your coffee in a different spot in your home. Dress up a little. Eat something new for lunch. Take a bubble bath or a walk. By changing something, even something relatively insignificant, you'll shift your energy. Alter your perspective. Suddenly, it won't feel so much like Groundhog Day. 



Just so we're clear, I totally believe that routines are wonderful for keeping us on task.

A well-designed routine helps navigate the fullness of our days. But when you begin to feel like it’s always the very same day over and over again… Allow yourself to hit reset.

Veer from your predictable course...

The spring will return to your step.
Your smile will brighten.
Your load will feel lighter.

You’ll return to your routines ready to repeat them several dozen more times before you need to break out the permission slips again.


How do you stop the monotony when you feel like your days are running together?
I'd love to know what works for you. 

Thanks so much for reading.  

If you don't already receive my Weekly Updates, you can sign up here. 

Have a super week!
xo Kristen




4 Comments
Carolyn link
2/2/2018 07:37:13 am

Would love a post (or two) about your morning and evening routines. It would also be interesting to learn how they have changed as your kids have grown.

Reply
Kristen link
2/8/2018 12:01:35 pm

Hello Carolyn-
I would be happy to write a post about my morning and evening routines. They have definitely changed quite a bit since my kids have grown older. I'll get to work writing and scheduling those posts as soon as possible.
Thanks for the interest.
;-) Kristen

Reply
Marcia Kent
2/2/2018 09:42:50 am

I came to the together act for your great help on style, clothes, closets, etc. I’m wondering if there is a regular time that you focus on that? Maybe I’ve somehow missed those posts? Thanks Marcia

Reply
Kristen link
2/8/2018 12:15:19 pm

Hello Marcia-

Thank you for your honest inquiry. I always appreciate knowing what my readers are thinking and hoping for when they come to my blog.

You are correct in noticing that my style related posts have be less frequent. For the past 18 months or so, I've been deep diving into creating my very best life. As a result, I've been sharing that journey in my posts.

Style is a crucial part of who I am and what I have to offer women. But, I've come to realize that there is SO much more to an amazing life than just great style. Thus the non-style posts.

I've been brainstorming content ideas for the coming months. Your comment made me stop and think. I do plan to keep style posts as a consistent part of my blog. Honestly, it might be only once a month... maybe the first or last Friday.

I do hope that you'll stick around and see if the new format works for you. Also, I welcome your input. Please let me know if there are certain elements of style, wardrobes, closets, etc. that you'd like me to cover. Happy to!

And finally, if you don't already follow The Well Dressed Life, I think you might like it. Megan Kristel started as a personal stylist and her blog was mainly style. She recently revamped and now it's a bit more 'lifestyle'. The content is usually geared towards working women. She offers solid tips and advice for women who want to look incredible! http://thewelldressedlife.com/

Again, thank you for your comment.

Have an awesome day!
Kristen

Reply



Leave a Reply.

Home

About

The Simple Collective

Contact

​Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2018 The Together Act, LLC
Photos used under Creative Commons from D. Scott Taylor, mjhbower, Oscar Nguyen l 090 337 2885, theglobalpanorama, frankieleon, Bora Bora Photo & Video, ff137, A Gude, homethods, wuestenigel, naiaraback1, kamshots, pumpkinmook, Petrovsk, VARNISHdesign, loop_oh, Anne Worner, Mann Library, tsuna72, Rodger_Evans, torbakhopper, johnvoo_photographer, SenseiAlan, Michael Dunn~!, Scott McLeod, TechStage, SFB579 Namaste, Kesara Rathnayake (kesara.lk), bvi4092, Infomastern, susivinh, Kez Price, Stefans02, fontplaydotcom, frankieleon