The pain was unbelievable.  All I’d been doing was trying out for the school track team with my friends.  But they tore across the blacktop so much faster, and they didn’t seem to be grabbing their ankles when they were done.  

The diagnosis?  My hips were out of alignment.  And that was slowing me down and causing pain.

Fast forward a few decades and I found myself out of alignment again.  This time in my neck, which was contributing to some intense jaw pain which disrupted my life and interfered with some of the pleasures of everyday life.  

I’ve found it so interesting how a lack of alignment in one area of the body created such pain in another.  It’s taught me the importance – and the far-reaching impact - of proper alignment.

Alignment in Life

As I’ve re-shaped my life and career over the past few years, and worked with many clients who are doing the same, I see the importance and impact of alignment again.  But this time, it’s “life alignment.”  

Very often, we’re out of alignment in life, and we feel the pain of:

• Chaos and stress of juggling too many things

• Mental exhaustion because we lack clarity about what to focus on

• Uncertainty and mental paralysis, not knowing what next steps to take to make anything different

• Resentment or a nagging restlessness that our life just isn’t as fulfilling as we’d like it to be  

So if you’re out of alignment, the natural questions are:  

• What is the “proper alignment” for you?  

• And how do you get yourself back into alignment?

You might know that I love to ask good questions.  But, friend, today you’re in luck, because I’ve got a couple of answers for you to offer some relief from the pain of being out of alignment in life.

In the hustle and bustle of our modern world, it’s easy to feel like life is just one big jumble of demands, distractions, and duties. With so much coming at us from all directions, it’s no wonder that many of us get out of alignment and feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and even a bit lost. We’re juggling a lot – work, family, personal aspirations – and trying to do it all without dropping the ball. But in trying to manage everything, we can sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture: what truly matters most.

This is where a modern-day Rule of Life can be a game-changer. It’s like having a compass that points you toward true north, keeping you anchored in your values and guiding you through the chaos. But what exactly is a Rule of Life, and how can it help you?

What is a Modern-Day Rule of Life?

A Rule of Life is a set of guidelines, or a framework, that helps you live your life with intention and purpose. It’s a way to structure your days, weeks, and months around the things that matter most to you, so you can live more fully and with greater clarity. 

Historically, a Rule of Life was a set of spiritual practices followed by monastic communities to keep their lives centered on God. But in today’s context, it doesn’t have to be religious – it’s about creating rhythms and routines that support your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Think of it as a personal manifesto, a set of principles or practices that you commit to in order to satisfy your needs and live out your values. It’s not a rigid set of “rules for life,” but rather a flexible framework that can be adapted as your life changes. It’s about making intentional choices that align with who you are and how you want to live.

How Can a Rule of Life Help You?

A modern-day Rule of Life serves as a roadmap for how you want to live, helping you navigate life’s ups and downs with more ease and less stress. In doing so, it alleviates some of the most common pain we experience related to our lives.

Reduces Chaos and Stress 

By Creating Regular Routines and Rhythms: Life can feel chaotic when we lack structure and constantly react to whatever comes our way. A Rule of Life helps you establish regular routines and rhythms that bring order to your days. Whether it’s a morning ritual that sets the tone for your day or a weekly reflection practice that keeps you grounded, these routines provide a sense of stability and predictability in an otherwise unpredictable world.

A Rule of Life will help you live at the right pace, so you don’t burn out or stall out.

Eases Mental Exhaustion 

By Bringing Clarity About Yourself:  Many of us struggle with a lack of clarity about who we are and what we want out of life. One of the biggest benefits of a Rule of Life is that it forces you to get clear about who you are and what you value. When you take the time to articulate your needs, values, and priorities, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. This clarity allows you to live more authentically and align your actions with your true self.

A Rule of Life will help you experience peace as you live in alignment with your authentic self and your deepest desires.

Lessens Uncertainty and Mental Paralysis 

By Helping You Pre-Decide: Ever feel paralyzed by too many choices?  We all face moments of uncertainty, where we’re not sure what the right next step is.  A Rule of Life helps you navigate those moments by empowering you to pre-decide what’s important to you. When you’ve already determined your priorities, you don’t have to waste time and energy making decisions on the fly. It’s like having a built-in filter that helps you say “yes” to the things that matter and “no” to the things that don’t.

A Rule of Life will help you turn your vision into reality.

Eliminates Resentment or Restlessness 

By Offering Greater Fulfillment and Deeper Purpose: When we’re not living in alignment with our priorities, it’s easy to feel resentful or unfulfilled. A Rule of Life helps you keep your priorities front and center so that you’re not just going through the motions but living with intention. And because it’s a guide for our life, not a set of restrictions, it helps us practice discipline while still offering us freedom to choose.  This leads to greater fulfillment and a deeper sense of purpose.

A Rule of Life will help you balance freedom and discipline.

How to Create Your Own Modern-Day Rule of Life

Creating a Rule of Life doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler it is, the more likely you are to stick with it. Here are some steps to get you started:

1. Reflect on Your Values: Take some time to think about what’s most important to you. What are your core values? What brings you joy and fulfillment? What do you want your life to be about?

2. Identify Your Priorities: Once you’ve clarified your values, identify your top priorities. These are the areas of your life that you want to focus on – whether it’s your health, relationships, work, or personal growth.

3. Create Simple Routines: Think about how you can create routines and rhythms that support your priorities. What small actions can you take on a daily or weekly basis that will help you live out your values?

4. Write It Down: Put your Rule of Life in writing. This doesn’t have to be a long document – even a few bullet points can be enough to remind you of what’s important.

5. Review and Revise: Your Rule of Life is not set in stone. As your life changes, your Rule of Life can evolve too. Take time to review it regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Need Some Help?

I’ve experienced the pain of being out of alignment.  The ankle pain and the jaw pain were bad enough.  When it becomes “life pain,” it’s even worse.  I don’t want that for you.

If you’re “feeling the pain” of chaos, uncertainty, overwhelm, or restlessness, I know that it’s hard to find the energy or clarity to start living differently.  

I can help.  

Join me for my new Masterclass, “Calm the Chaos: 10 Steps to Less Stress, More Clarity, and More Time for What Matters Most.” 

In this one-hour session, we’ll dive deeper into the process of creating your own Rule of Life, and I’ll share practical tools and strategies to help you reduce stress, gain clarity, and make more time for what matters most.  

I guarantee you’ll have at least one takeaway (and likely more!) that will start easing your pain immediately.

Creating a Rule of Life is one of the most powerful things you can do to bring more peace, clarity, and purpose into your life. It’s about living with intention, making choices that align with your values, and creating a life that’s truly meaningful to you. If you’re ready to calm the chaos and start living from your priorities, I’d love for you to join me in this journey.

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