Time Away To Break Free Of Routines

I just spent 9 days in California and returned home Sunday. It was a joy and a dream to see childhood friends and be with so many people I love for both milestone events and some R&R.

Full transparency – it was also a little hard for this routine-loving woman.

I’ve always loved routine and structure in my life and the past three years of managing through a pandemic have made me cling to my routine for dear life.

Somehow I’ve naturally gravitated toward structure as a way to stay grounded, hopeful and optimistic.

Having the same breakfast, listening to the same podcasts, doing the same exercise routine, talking to the same friends and family on the phone (yes, talking not texting!).

All of it seems to calm my body and help me move forward.

Yet, I know it also keeps me a weee bit rigid.

Holding onto my routines with an iron grasp during the pandemic has brought on some discomfort and even fear of mixing it up. Of change, of doing things a different or new way. Of not being in control. And while I have compassion for where it came from, I’m very open and interested in moving through it…and fast.

So, in my time away, I worked through some of the discomfort by just getting open and curious and reminding myself – I am with a lot of people who love me (who are feeding me REALLY WELL) and I will figure it out. Plus,…I’m someone who actually likes change, so this is a funny one to address!

Now that I’m home, I’m watching myself jump back into my boxes. I am embracing structure yet again, but also remembering the lightness that emerged as I pushed through it in my time away.

I’m finding moments to choose flexibility in my NYC life – even when it feels hard.

And I’m snuggling with my dog because I missed that little guy more than any routine!