Routine...
ongoing
unchanging
tried and true
important
non-negotiable
energizing
I think a routine is a good thing!
Sure we need a break from it sometimes, and that's called a vacation. Here is a story from a month ago on Vacatons... https://rdside.blogspot.com/2024/03/vacation.html
But, there is a satisfying, sweet reward to sameness, predictable, and normal.
The old phrase, "Busy as a Bee," comes to mind. On a bad day, stick to your routine and don't make things any worse. On a great day, stick to your routine and dont get lazy.
Your daily routine starts the night before. You either get a good night's sleep or not. Most of the time, that variable is up to you. Set yourself up for a good next day, with a good night's sleep. A link to an article on how to get a good night's sleep...
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/good-nights-sleep#good
When you know it's going to be a bad day, maybe even a terrible day, a good routine is a standard and a level of expectation. For me, when I know it will be a challenging day, I get up early, and pack a good lunch to look forward to. Then, I make sure to wear comfortable shoes. At least those things are within my control.
Break the day into chunks. Task lists can help you survive a bad day. By focusing on individual items on your list, you can achieve some success. Then mark it off your list and keep the traction and momentum going.
Not a list maker? Maybe you should try it. Here is a link to an article by Elizabeth Bennett, called, The Life Changing Power of List Making, from SundayRiley.com. Solid tips and very encouraging.
https://edit.sundayriley.com/list-making-benefits/
Weeds and flowers...
Weeds...Recognize bad things in your routine. Call it what it is. Time wasters, energy sappers, relationship time bombs. It may start out as no big deal, but the pain, and the problems follow. We all have a few.
Avoid negative people, things and habits. Pull the weeds from the garden of your routine. Make room for some flowers.
Flowers...
Plant enough flowers, and weeds can't survive.
These Day Lillies are a great example of that. A small clump or two will multiply and spread out till nothing else grows in that space.
Make encouraging and helping others part of your routine. Do that often enough, and regularly enough, and it becomes part of who you are. Every day, we have these opportunities. Recognize a co-worker, make that phone call to an old friend, mail a card to someone that can no longer get out.
Slow down and plant flowers.
Note: Real flowers are a wonderful idea too.
Try planting sunflower seeds. Follow the directions on the back of the package. It's easy. It's therapeutic. Add a little color, and happiness to your space.
