Intentional Living Series Week Thirty: What Is The Rhythm Of Your Life?

{The View From My Front Porch}

" A scene has to have a rhythm of its own, a structure of its own". ~Michelangelo Antonioni

In the post for Week 29 I wrote about how to say no and the impulses that drive us to say yes even when we don't want to do so. This week I am going to discuss taking action to craft the rhythm of your life. 

Each day as I walk out my front door, I experience the conflicting emotions of joy and discontentment. My heart soars when I see the beauty of my lavender hostas, orange lilies and purple and white flocks in bloom. It is a glorious sight.  I am also reminded that the space has been neglected just a little too long and I really should spend some time pruning and weeding. A garden like ones life requires attention. Yet the question I wrestle with is how much structure do I want to impose upon my unruly garden?  If I do nothing, the weeds and the maple tree saplings will choke out all the flowers. I do see the beauty in the freewheeling garden but will the beauty of the garden be enhanced if I put apply some structure to the space? 

Taking action to live an intentional life holds the same emotional conflict between joy and discontentment. How much structure and discipline does it take to live the way I want? How do I create the perfect rhythm for my life without feeling stifled or over managed?  What is the balance between freewheeling and structured? As you think about the cadence of your life, how would you define it, calm, fast paced, out of control or something else? Are you choosing to be footloose or is that a default position because you don't know what else to do? Have you taken all the joy out of your life because you have scheduled every minute of your day and can't take a moment to enjoy the beauty around you? 

Intentional living means understanding that in life we have a choice on how we will structure our lives and to think through our choices before embarking on a path. Failing to take the time to think through how you want to live your life can result in discontentment. Life is like a garden...it requires your attention. 

Week 30 Assignment: Take time this week during your Morning 30 to define the rhythm of your life and answer the question, do you like the rhythm of your life. 

Get caught up on the entire Intentional Living series: