I’ve been given a rare season of unscheduled time this week. I have a stack of reading material and a long list of things to research. Plus several writing projects, of course. Sounds like Heaven, doesn’t it? But here is the problem: My toothbrush isn’t in the right place.
My friend, Darin, once explained that any little change in your living environment can throw off your groove. He told the college freshman it might take them six weeks to get comfortable with their new dorm room and grow accustomed to finding their toothbrush every morning. I so get that. The older I grow, the deeper my roots of routine.
The first two days of “free” time were not productive in my writing world. (I got tons of baby snuggles and played excellent games of Story Cubes. A Pulitzer really couldn’t compare.) But, I do need to accomplish some goals. So, I’m making a concentrated effort to establish routine, even on vacation. I’d like to be a flexible, free-spirited artist who can write in my pajamas and just go with the flow. Instead, I’ve picked a spot in the guest bathroom for my toothbrush. And I’m keeping it there.
How about you? Rituals and routines? Or go-with-the-flow?
Rituals and routines. I even have certain spots I put stuff in hotel rooms when I travel. Mostly so I can find it when it’s time to pack to leave. Or mostly because I’m a control freak. Depends on who you ask. 🙂
I totally get you, Carol.
For you to write about toothbrushes is another serendipity moment that we often share. This weekend I cleaned the inside of my medicine cabinet with alcohol to disinfect it. Blaine asked me, “Did you trade out my toothbrush for a new one?” I had inadvertently put mine in his spot… and he used it! :):) After 40 years of marriage, it actually did not bother me a bit! I hope it did not bother him, either.
Oh, Judy! That is rich.
Routine, habit, ritual no matter what you call it, it can become a grave open at both ends if we let it. But the familier FEELS soo good. Just back from a weeks vacation I am exhausted just from having to acclimate to the changes of a new bathroom, different bed, smaller kitchenette, made me accutely aware of how entrenched I am in THIS life. Is that wrong?!!? Audrey threatened us that she will travel alone or find another companion if mom and dad don’t buck up to the journay……. 🙂
Audrey is a hoot. I think we’re going to need to figure out some “travel rituals” so we can rise to the challenge.