Refreshing Routines
Life would be boring if everyday was the same! Equally, it would be chaotic and unsustainable if everyday was radically different. Contentment is found somewhere in between.
We all look forward with real excitement to the big events in our lives- holidays, birthdays, breaks away, time off school or work, celebrations, and the occasional night out. Simply put, a break from the ordinary punctuates our lives giving it color and depth. Yet, it is important to recognize the strength and comfort we all draw from routines.
For the last couple of weeks my routines, like many of us, have been very different. And whilst our days have been good, it has been a bit of a struggle readjusting and settling back into a more normal weekly routine. It didn’t help having to close the school on Monday due to a power outage!
That adjustment comes more easily to some than others. It is hard to get little ones to adjust their sleeping patterns, particularly if they have recently adjusted to a new time zone. Getting up a little earlier than we have been doing, and then finding that sweet spot of falling to sleep in time to get a good night’s rest, can be elusive to some. I know that has been me this week. Reestablishing routines can be hard.
January has that routine feel about it. A time to respect and value the power of predictable flow. For many of us that set lofty goals with a New Year resolution, we will only be successful if we commit to building in changes to our daily routines. Changes that are consciously deliberate until they become established new practice. The phrases “practice makes perfect” comes to mind. With well established good routines in our lives, we are able to achieve more from our days. Our focus is sharper, our use of time more efficient, and our levels of productivity increase.
There is a power to consistency, and no better time of the year to refresh and reevaluate the importance of routines than during January. Power outages aside, I look forward to a positive year, driven but productive routines, and punctuated by moments of celebration and togetherness.
Happy New Year to you all!
