by Nicole VanZuidam, MA, Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Your favorite song comes on the radio, the one with the catchy beat, and it seems you cannot help but let your body move to the music.  You fall into sync with the song, tapping your foot, bobbing your head, or dancing around.  It is quite something that our bodies can conform so quickly to the rhythms we hear.  You are probably familiar with the phrase, “falling into rhythm.”  We enjoy the familiarity once we find a good pace, one we are comfortable with. 

Author Jennifer Camp describes each of us being created with our own rhythm placed within our heart, an individual pace where we feel most at home.  She writes about the journey of discovering our pace, getting comfortable with it, and the importance of not attempting to race to an outside rhythm.    

With everything we have experienced in this past year, we might find our pace has been reset for us in different ways as things have shifted and changed.

Now might be the perfect time to decide what you want as part of the order and pace of your life going forward.  As more activities and functions resume, will you fall back into a rhythm similar to before?  Were you at high paced speed constantly balancing life on the edge of burnout? 

First, we must find our baseline or the pace with which we feel most at home.  You can get a sense of this by measuring your mood, energy level, amount of sleep, stress level, and by tuning into physical signs of wear.  This can help you determine just how many activities and commitments you have in your life.  Add to that the activities of those you love and those you care for, and now you have a better handle on just how demanding your life may be.

If you find yourself feeling intimidated or pressured to speed up your pace, I encourage you to first take pause.  Take a moment in the quiet to tune into your rhythm.  Are you attempting to adhere to the tempo around you?  When we fall out of sync, our bodies often give us flashing signals as a warning that we cannot stay at this speed for long, things like those mentioned in the previous paragraph.  Tune into them, not only for yourself, but also for your family.  Consider what measures you need to take to protect the safe pace of you and your family.  And do your best to not succumb to feelings of guilt or pressure to compare yourself with others.  We were not designed to run at someone else’s pace.  

Changes, expected or unexpected, are like changing the radio station midsong and we find ourselves off beat.  It takes a moment for our mind and then our body to adjust.  Sometimes we make a smooth transition, but it is ok to lean on others when we find it more difficult.  If you are finding yourself out of rhythm, feeling lost, overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated in a pace that is unfamiliar to you, reach out.  Take pause to discover your rhythm and set your pace.  

At River Counseling Services and Sioux Falls Psychological Services we meet you where you are, offering hope.  We can help you discover your rhythm and set your pace.  You may schedule an appointment with the Platte office at 605-337-3444, or meet with one of our Sioux Falls Psychological Services therapists from your own computer or smartphone.  To schedule an appointment please call 605-334-2696.