Routines or Gutter Bumpers?
Getting life back on track
It’s Friday and I’m lost without my routines. With the Christmas and New Year’s holidays everything that seems to govern my life is wrong.
I’ve been to church so many times I’m not sure when Sunday really is.
The trash pickup didn’t come today–it’s moved till tomorrow.
Laundry day no longer has a day.
Grocery shopping–anytime I feel like it.
Even the normal sleep time has been interrupted by season 1 of 24, which I am just now getting around to watching.
So my question is, do I live my life with routine, or do I use those normal activites as gutter bumpers keeping me on a path?
What happens when those routines go off on their own? Chaos. It leads to to many hours on the internet, playing words with friends, and pajama days.
Working out becomes–I’ll get to it sometime today. (but I don’t)
Meal time becomes anytime.
I’m looking forward to this Sunday when my week starts out like normal.
I need those gutter bumpers to keep me from falling into all time vacation land.
How about you?
My comments have moved tp the top of the post again, click on the little cartoonish balloon and tell me, are you struggling to get back on track this year?
Blessings,
Diana
It’s not just the holiday season for me–add retirement to this and I forget what day it is a lot of the time. I find now that Monday can come any day of the week without notice. I rely on the my PC–being able to click on the time and see the day/date. I’m looking so forward to heaven–no time. Wahoo!
Blessings,
Tom Blubaugh, Author
Night of the Cossack
Hi Tom!
My mom says that about retirement too. She’s learned to just go with it as long as she doesn’t have to add extra birthdays to the same year. Once a year is enough for her. 🙂
I’m guilty of checking the pc calender/clock too!
Blessings,
Diana
I just told someone this a couple days ago. I’ve been to church so many times I’m not sure when Sunday really is. My husband was home too, so we also, had many Saturdays. Luckily, I have things I do and and order I do them in, so I don’t need a certain day of the week to do them.
Debbie,
It felt so good to be back in church this morning.
My husband has been home a lot to which is messing with my routines. But I love having him around.
Blessings,
Diana
I cannot stand it on holidays when the indoor pool at our rec center is closed. Disrupts my routine because I walk in the water everyday for an hour. Without that routine, I’m lost. I’ve ordered BodyGospel a Beachbody workout just for days when the pool is closed and bad weather days when I can’t get out. It’s a good habit but it does frustrate me when I can’t follow it. But another routine will replace it and make me feel just as good I’m sure
And, by the way, what is the plug-in you have below where people have the option of being added to your list when they post a comment?
HI Teresa,
I didn’t know Beachbodyhad a Body/Gospel workout. I’ll have to check that one out.
The plug in is called WYSIJA SUBSCRIBPITONS.
Blessings,
Diana
I relate absolutely. The first week of January 2013 is almost gone and I am still in the last week of December 2012.
Hi Retha!,
Thank goodness you aren’t in the ‘before’ Christmas spot or you might be purchasing gifts. 🙂
It is strange to think next week is the second week of January.
Blessings,
Diana
So that’s why I wanted to go to the shops but was delayed.
I think so! 🙂
Diana
I can relate to this…LOL…Been there. Done that…still do from time to time. Working from at home is a privilege, yet, it affords me some flex time that I spend like mad money. I usually take that to mean that my brain needs time off from marketing strategies, studio work and taking life so seriously. Enjoyed reading this blog.
Hi Particia,
Oh dear, spending money like mad…that was my other life. 🙂 I miss that. You’re right though for me it’s when I walk into my sewing room and want to stay because it’s such a happy place for me I know I need to take a break.
I hear it calling me today…
Blessings,
Diana
Hello Diana,
I can so relate to this post. By December I attempt to shut down so I can hibernate and catch up with my personal life, family and friends. It was quite a hectic month, and even by Christmas I felt somewhat stressed out – but I did lose track of days and the weeks blended together. The first week of January is where I spend time recovering from Christmas vacation and travel, and get my head ready for “work”. I appreciate you posting this, I believe we can all relate to this !
Hi Anna,
Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how it is for you. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in the need for routines.
Blessings,
Diana
Ritual is part of our life. Saying, “I love you” to family can be a healthy habit we do without thinking. Then there are other daily routines that are such a drag. Holidays to me are a great time to take us off autopilot. I too forget what day it is during the holiday season, but for the other 358 days, I am constantly reminded! Thank you Diana, I’m sure many of us can relate to your thoughts.
Bring on next Christmas and New Year, I say!
Blessings
Dawn Alice 🙂
Dawn,
You are so right! Being taken off autopilot is a good thing. A way to refocus and rejuvenate.
Blessings,
Diana
Yes, I need a routine. Even just Saturday and Sunday throw me off. I had no idea what day of the week it was the last two weeks. I don’t know how retired people do it. I need my schedule!
I asked my mom how she did it and she said, after awhile you give up and learn to accept what the day brings.
Blessings,
Diana
I agree with your mom.