Embracing Intentionality: Navigating the Return to Regularly Scheduled Routines!

Today was the day! At 6:26 am, the bright, flashing lights of the yellow school bus appeared on our street, marking the return to school for my son, daughter, and many others like them! The roads were busier than usual, with more red lights to patiently wait through, and as I headed to work, I realized how easily the magic of the holidays could quickly vanish.

Coming back from vacations or other joyful times can be challenging for some, while for others, the familiarity of routine is a welcome friend eagerly embraced as they walk through the door! Either way, once you return to your daily routine, it's easy to let the monotony of everyday life steal those precious moments and memories that bring a smile to your face.

The truth is, choosing to let go of that peace and get caught up in the stress is just that - a choice. Don't get me wrong; I understand that the pressures of school, work, and life often come from external factors beyond our control. But what we can control is our decision on HOW we handle it and where we choose to focus our energy. We are the drivers of our own bus; we choose which street to drive down, whether to pick up any baggage along the way, and whether to be an active participant in the day ahead or sit back as a passive passenger.

There's a word that comes to mind, one I'm sure you're familiar with: intentional. Every morning and every night, we get to choose what to hold on to and what to let go of. If we are intentional with our mindset at the start and end of our day, peace and calm can become a regular fixture in our day, instead of being left out in the cold like December!

Ironically, this morning I witnessed both sides of the coin. My son was excited to take his seat on the bus, having made pictures for his friends and teachers, with a smile on his face as he also took photos from our break to share with them. My daughter, however, while eager to see her teacher and friends, wasn't thrilled that this day had arrived - so much so, she even forgot her backpack! Both perspectives were perfectly fine; both still had to go to school, and both survived and made it home! In truth, once my sweet girl was there, she enjoyed her day, and both kids realized they were happy that our regular routines had returned. Not only that, when they got home, I was sure to intentionally ask them to share something that made them smile today, and the excitement in the room was palpable as they recounted the fun they’d had.

So how about you? How was your 'first day' back? Did it feel like just returning to the grind, or was there something from the day that made you smile? And, more importantly, what can you do now that you're home to recapture a moment or two so you can re-center and welcome back that happy place from the break?

Intentional. By choosing our attitude and driving our bus, the first day back can simply be another day, just happening in a different location. At the end of the day, it comes down to being intentional about being intentional!

What will you choose?