Find Rhythm

Find rhythm.

That’s the phrase that keeps echoing in my brain over and over and over.

In all the unsettledness and chaos and unknown, that phrase tickles my ear and whispers in my heart.

Find rhythm.

Rhythm? When the whole world is out of sync?
We’re told to “march to the beat of your own drum,” but what about when I can’t even find the drum?
Everything is so loud and chaotic that I couldn’t find the beat even if I was listening for it, but I’m most definitely not because all I can hear is the raging, swirling, screaming panic.
The airwaves are filled with it.

And while I’m not particularly concerned about dying from coronavirus, I am concerned about the disastrous effects on our economy.
About not being able to pay the bills.
About our healthcare system.
About how the heck to spend my time when there’s suddenly…so much of it.
About the mental health of my city, my country, my world. Heck, about the mental health of me.
About navigating this storm by myself instead of with those I love.
About being surrounded by those I love and feeling wildly misunderstood and lonelier than if I was simply by myself.
About loneliness.
God, the damn loneliness.

Find rhythm.

It whispers.
Again and again and again.
Over and over and over.
Repeating, repeating, repeating.
Its own rhythm.

Although the world may be displaced, I can still find rhythm.
I can…
Get out of bed on time.
And make it.
And sip my coffee and journal, like I do every morning.
I can still move my body. With a walk or a run or a yoga video.
I can still call my friends and tell them I love them.
I can still write 350 words on my novel, the barest minimum number I could come up with that makes me feel like I’m *almost* making progress.
I can still make a to-do list and check it off.
I can still meditate for 5 or 10 or 20 minutes.
I can still cook a meal for myself. And sit down and eat it leisurely. As if it was the most amazing meal in the world instead of the scraps I pulled from the cupboard.
I can still sit with my heart and feel all of my emotions and remind myself everything’s going to be okay.
I can still set boundaries on how much I check the news or social media or watch tv.
I can still take an online course or try painting or read a new book.
I can still find rhythm.

When the world is chaotic and out of control, find rhythm.

How are you finding rhythm right now? If you’re struggling to find rhythm or navigate your emotions, I’m offering one free 30 minute coaching session and sliding scale coaching after that for those financially impacted by COVID-19.

If you’re interested in coaching, click here to schedule a session.