Back to the Routine

Some people thrive on routine while others feel constrained or bored.  I feel like a routine gives me structure which acts as a launching pad, something I can control to allow me more time and space to be creative.  But it is a love-hate relationship to be sure. 

I have many self-directed routines.  For example, I make muffins every Monday, cinnamon rolls and sausage every Tuesday, etc.  I don't have to think when I first get out of a bed - and that is beautiful.

But ask me to remember to wear my seatbelt?  Yeah, not going to happen.

I can only start new routines on Mondays.  So if I get the idea on a Wednesday that it is time to start working out again, I have to wait until Monday rolls around.  And if I miss on Monday, the whole week is shot.

With all the craziness I've been involved in this summer, my routines have largely gone out the window.  I have survived crisis to crisis, knowing all the while that I was not functioning at top efficiency.  And yet, I functioned.  I survived.  I even got some stuff done.

And now that I am facing the start of a new school year, I have to decide if it is time to "routine up" again.  Can I survive without the rigor of a personal schedule with workout, meal, shower, etc. all carefully laid out and pinned to a certain time?  Can I wake up each morning and loosely prioritize the day, moving from task to task with a go-with-the-flow efficiency?

I doubt it.

School starts Tuesday.  I guess it is time to think about what I can realistically fit in between school drop offs and work and kids and meals.  Time to evaluate how early I can get out of bed and still have energy to teach and dance and not snap at the kids.  Time to buckle down and just do what needs to be done.

Here we go.