I love routine. I love planners and schedules and predictability in my days. Trying to run a business, continue learning, raising kids, taking care of a house and dog, maintaining my relationships, and taking care of myself is a LOT sometimes - right? So, for me, having a “normal” day is incredibly helpful.

But summer undoes all of that! There is no such thing as a “normal” day. And just as I think I’ve gotten used to it… I’ve hit my groove… Everything changes AGAIN. It’s been a true experiment in “riding the wave…”

And yet, even in the midst of summer chaos, I find myself looking for challenges and new-ness. I look forward to getting out of my space, my routine, and my comfort zone. I seek new ways to push myself. And this practice energizes me like no other!

Two weeks ago, my husband and I embarked on our second backpacking trip together. (If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know about last year’s trip - which was a true challenge in SO MANY ways! It’s a miracle I wanted to go again… Ha!) This year, we planned for 4 days hiking and camping at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Upper Michigan. This trip was my choice - a beautiful place along Lake Superior, fairly easy hiking, campsites by the water. I could do this!

And while yes, it was considerably easier than last year - I still had my challenges. There were portions of the hike that tested my asthma (but I did it without my inhaler - success!). It got really hot one day - which messes with my asthma, my headaches, and my appetite (but we jumped into Lake Superior fully clothed - and that took care of that!). Blisters on my feet took their toll on how far I could go each day.

I’ll admit, backpacking is not my favorite thing in the world. I’d be perfectly content to drive to the trailheads, hike in a mile, see the beautiful sites, and go to an Airbnb. But… I love being out there with my husband. This is his passion - and he is an excellent teacher and guide. We’re a team on the trail in very different ways than at home. He pushes me to try harder than I would on my own - but he also takes care of me when I’m not caring for myself. We get to “oooh and ahhh” at beautiful sites, laugh at our mistakes, and create stories to tell the kids.

These trips remind me that there is so much more to me than “just” being a wife, mom, and coach. That I still crave adventure and pushing myself outside my comfort zone.

I’m energized when I get home (after some good nights’ sleep!) - in how I relate to my kids as well as in my ideas and inspiration for my work! Stepping outside the norm allows new energy, new creativity, and in a way, a new attitude of “I got this” no matter what.

Since being back, I find myself looking for small ways to “shake things up” within my daily schedule - maybe it’s something you’d like to try, too?

Eat a different breakfast - something healthy and delicious!

Drink your morning coffee outside, with no distractions, just taking in the world around you.

Go for a walk in a new place.

Read a new book or watch a new show in a completely different genre than your usual picks!

Try a new playlist of music that’s new to you.

Take a class to learn something new (we love using Groupon to try a one-time class in new things for cheap!).

Take some time to create something.

Find a new piece of art that inspires you - and put it somewhere you’ll see it every day.

Try a new scent - perfume, essential oils, candles…

Shaking things up doesn’t need to be a “go big or go home” scenario - you can start with small changes that inspire energy and creativity in your day. I’d love to hear how you decide to shake things up this week!