A Different Kind of Structure
A few days ago, I wrote about the importance of getting our financial structure right. If we don't have a reasonable financial structure, we will likely have a rough go with our finances. Then, in the hours that followed, it triggered a few parallel thoughts. Specifically, I experienced a sequence of events that reminded me of another type of structure.
My morning was tightly wound, so I needed to hustle. I had to drop the kids off at school, drive back home, switch cars, then pop into the office for a coaching meeting. Here's the fun part. That entire sequence took less than 10 minutes. Home>School>Home>Office. 10 minutes! That's when I started reflecting (again) on the idea of structure.
While I'll die on the hill of getting our financial structure in order, I have a similar feeling about our geographical and logistical structure of life. To me, no amount of money can compensate for having a life structure that entails endless commutes and 24/7 to-and-froms. As such, I've spent just as much time and energy on my life structure as I have my financial structure. I think this image from the ETA app illustrates it quite well:
My house is 2 minutes from the office, 2 minutes from our children's school, 2 minutes from the grocery store, 6 minutes from our recording studio, 7 minutes from church, and 16 minutes from Northern Vessel. That's my life in a nutshell. I sometimes take it for granted, but when I take a step back, I realize how absurd it is and blessed I am. It wasn't an accident, though. Much thought, planning, and intentionality has gone into this structure. Consequences were made. Inconveniences were experienced.
However, when I wake up each day and experience life as it's structured, I'm so sincerely grateful. This hasn't always been the case. I've lived in realities of 45-minute commutes each way, with constant back-and-forths cannibalizing my days/weeks. I have countless friends that spend 2-3 hours commuting daily. Lots of people drive an hour to get to church, or 30 minutes just to get groceries.
I'm willing to make almost any sacrifice to live my simple life. We've had countless amazing opportunities presented to us, but when looked at through the lens of our intentionally simple structure, they don't look very attractive. And whenever we're faced with the option of keeping/saving money or have a simpler and more efficient life, I'll trade away the money in a heartbeat.
This isn't a topic thought about much, never mind talked about. Maybe today is the day for you. Instead of just accepting that your structure is your structure, what would you change if you could wave your magic wand? Maybe it's time to wave said wand. Your future self just might thank you.
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