Gillian - you are courage in action planting "carpe diem" trees throughout your lands .... it's so seemingly easy to settle down in simple routines that comfort parts of our being .... but that's not all that we are. And the other parts that we are scream for attention - maybe keeping you up at night, maybe every night for years ....and Gillian - you listened to those parts ... and blew open the gates of your life to explore those unknown lands and plant those strange but glorious-smelling flowers that are now flooding your days with the light of your creativity.
What we call "habits" are just indicators that we're missing something ... even if we can't tell what that is, at least not yet ..... after all, when Edison hit his lab every day like clockwork, finding 1,000 ways that light bulbs didn't work - that wasn't "habit" ... no more than the tiger and the gazelles finding their way to the water hole every day - that's freshly engaging, every day, freshly engaging with the greatness of their lives, with the gloriousness of each heartbeat ....
What we call "habits" are really dead actions .... not "mindless" as if you're not aware of them ... yes, you're DEFINITELY aware of them, they drove you crazy every day LOL! But rather - unfulfilling, because they did not speak to being all that you are and all that you can be .....
All strength and engagement to you as you continue to engage your wholeness .... the wholeness that is being that is becoming ....
My friend, what a powerful reflection. Thank you so very much for reading and digesting so very thoughtfully. It's so very easy to get lost in the middle and do things that you think are helping that take you only further from the presence of right now. It's so true, the mindlessness of falling into habit and going on auto-pilot through the series of things that are supposed to represent a "day" or a "duty" is what strips you of creativity, insight, and from making every moment count. If your memory only captures that which is extraordinary, stop settling for ordinary.
When in the middle of it, it’s easy to get confused and think you’re wrapping yourself in security only to find you’ve built a wall around you! Thanks for reading my friend!
Such an interesting and relatable reflection on habits, routines and creativity. I, too, find solace in routines and they do help me manage my anxiety. Yet, I know too much routine can take the joy out of living and being open to adjusting in the present moment. I enjoyed hearing how this has all unfolded for you while living abroad. That's definitely a way to shake things up!
Thank you for reading! It’s not an easy balance to maintain, something I’m definitely learning from having pulled the rug out from under myself. But the same curiosity that helped me unpick my anxiety is also a tool to help investigate why I’m sticking with something if it no longer feels like it serves me.
Oh I so identified with your point about the dangers of routines. I got a little too obsessed with routine for a while too, and it killed my creativity. Rituals — love that! Perfect way to reframe it.
It’s a fine line to walk between doing what needs to be done while leaving space open for variation. If you walk the same route to work each day, you’ll never see the windows of the other stores or see that one cafe that becomes your favorite. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
That is the dream—I keep doing the Dutch lessons so I can try for one. I have a feeling it will happen eventually and thank you for the vote of confidence!!
When I immigrated to the States I found that working part time provided me with an instant work community that really helped me feel less isolated. And it helped me assimilate. And, my workmates introduced me to peanut butter. Bonus!!! 💖💖
Gillian - you are courage in action planting "carpe diem" trees throughout your lands .... it's so seemingly easy to settle down in simple routines that comfort parts of our being .... but that's not all that we are. And the other parts that we are scream for attention - maybe keeping you up at night, maybe every night for years ....and Gillian - you listened to those parts ... and blew open the gates of your life to explore those unknown lands and plant those strange but glorious-smelling flowers that are now flooding your days with the light of your creativity.
What we call "habits" are just indicators that we're missing something ... even if we can't tell what that is, at least not yet ..... after all, when Edison hit his lab every day like clockwork, finding 1,000 ways that light bulbs didn't work - that wasn't "habit" ... no more than the tiger and the gazelles finding their way to the water hole every day - that's freshly engaging, every day, freshly engaging with the greatness of their lives, with the gloriousness of each heartbeat ....
What we call "habits" are really dead actions .... not "mindless" as if you're not aware of them ... yes, you're DEFINITELY aware of them, they drove you crazy every day LOL! But rather - unfulfilling, because they did not speak to being all that you are and all that you can be .....
All strength and engagement to you as you continue to engage your wholeness .... the wholeness that is being that is becoming ....
My friend, what a powerful reflection. Thank you so very much for reading and digesting so very thoughtfully. It's so very easy to get lost in the middle and do things that you think are helping that take you only further from the presence of right now. It's so true, the mindlessness of falling into habit and going on auto-pilot through the series of things that are supposed to represent a "day" or a "duty" is what strips you of creativity, insight, and from making every moment count. If your memory only captures that which is extraordinary, stop settling for ordinary.
It’s wild how habits can comfort and cage us at the same time.
When in the middle of it, it’s easy to get confused and think you’re wrapping yourself in security only to find you’ve built a wall around you! Thanks for reading my friend!
Such an interesting and relatable reflection on habits, routines and creativity. I, too, find solace in routines and they do help me manage my anxiety. Yet, I know too much routine can take the joy out of living and being open to adjusting in the present moment. I enjoyed hearing how this has all unfolded for you while living abroad. That's definitely a way to shake things up!
Thank you for reading! It’s not an easy balance to maintain, something I’m definitely learning from having pulled the rug out from under myself. But the same curiosity that helped me unpick my anxiety is also a tool to help investigate why I’m sticking with something if it no longer feels like it serves me.
Oh I so identified with your point about the dangers of routines. I got a little too obsessed with routine for a while too, and it killed my creativity. Rituals — love that! Perfect way to reframe it.
Really enjoyed this post!
It’s a fine line to walk between doing what needs to be done while leaving space open for variation. If you walk the same route to work each day, you’ll never see the windows of the other stores or see that one cafe that becomes your favorite. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
I love your writing- it is brilliantly vulnerable and you've inspired me. I can't wait till we cross paths.
What a wonderful compliment and I am delighted to connect and share!!
Friday we can continue with the affirmations in Dutch😂 and what a wonderful dream about the bookstore! I will be first in line!
Wat leuk! Ik kan ook over mijn neushoorn praten en ik heb mijn cv al naar een paar boekhandels gestuurd 🤞
🥰🥳🥳🍀🧿🤞❤️
Definitely hold out for a part time job in an English bookshop!
That is the dream—I keep doing the Dutch lessons so I can try for one. I have a feeling it will happen eventually and thank you for the vote of confidence!!
When I immigrated to the States I found that working part time provided me with an instant work community that really helped me feel less isolated. And it helped me assimilate. And, my workmates introduced me to peanut butter. Bonus!!! 💖💖
That’s why I’d be interested in something like that—the ways it will help me adapt. I just don’t want to get wrapped up in something soul-crushing!
And since you brought it up, peanut butter is way better than Marmite. 😘
Awww thank you so much for the mention, great article!!!!!
But of course—thank you for the great inspiration!!