I think it is very important to have a routine. A routine gives you a sense of normalcy, especially when the rest of the world may be anything but. It gives your life structure and balance.
Starting with a scheduled routine in your life, even something as simple as getting up at the same time every day gets your mind and body into a routine that is most helpful, especially for those times when things go wrong.
I like to get up at the same time every day. 5 a.m. It’s like you are setting your mind and your body up to get ready for the rest of the day. If you allow yourself to sleep in or get up on irregular hours, there is no structure.
I drink a bottle of water first thing. It is the best way to get my whole system started and working. It’s like I can feel it moving through me, starting mind and body to get on with the day.
I visualize the water moving through me and filling and nourishing each and every cell in my body. Bringing them back to life after lying still and silent all night.
Once I am hydrated, I follow a regular exercise regime. It’s the best way to wake up my mind and my muscles for the rest of the day. It gives me power over everything and, honestly, a sense of accomplishment.
There are times when I don’t want to do it, but if I still do it anyhow, I am much more proud of myself. I have never regretted working out, but I have felt bad when I didn’t. Although, you do need to give yourself allowances, now and then.
Then I treat myself to a cup of my favorite coffee. Blue Mountain Jamaican coffee. I like the coffee because it is milder than some and it isn’t bitter. There is enough bitterness in the world. I always drink it from my favorite mug. It’s very comforting.
Also comforting is sitting in my favorite chair by the window. Even though I haven’t been up for very long, I still feel like I have accomplished something and my cup of coffee in my favorite spot is a treat for a job well done.
I get my notebook and pen and try to allow my mind to wander with my morning thoughts. Sometimes I am inspired by what is happening outside my window, sometimes the inspiration comes from within.
It’s a nice time to write, in the morning. It’s like my mind feels freer without the noise of the world. Sometimes I have ideas for plots, sometimes it’s just about what I’m feeling or worrying about, sometimes it’s a grocery list.
I tend to write my thoughts or just think for about an hour. I find it creative, stimulating, and oddly meditative, as well. It’s freeing and also braces me for the day ahead.
From there, I get ready for my day job. I don’t like having to have a day job but I’m grateful, just the same. The work isn’t terribly challenging, but that’s the whole point.
I have a great team I work with and enjoy the office atmosphere. When you are a creative person and want to make your living through that creativity, the 9-5 day job is best if it isn’t too challenging.
I find my mind wanders to better, more interesting places and I can even visualize ideas and scenarios I want to write about. If my job were taxing and challenging mentally, my creativity wouldn’t be as profound.
There is also a nice social aspect I enjoy. Writing is a very solitary activity, so to be able to interact and enjoy people’s company helps combat the isolation writers experience.
There is comfort in a regular paycheck. I do try to be grateful that I have a job I can do and enjoy. Many people don’t have my opportunities and I try to be aware of that all the time.
I like the structure in my life because life can be very chaotic. Some sense of routine and normalcy helps to combat the irregularities of life. I find it helps me push forward in life and gives me the determination to keep going.
Very often, our plans don’t go as we expect or hope. But, when you have a regular routine, it gives you the structure and resilience to bounce back from those dips in life.
Life has this way of whizzing past us at a pretty hefty pace. Don’t take it for granted and try to get the most out of is as you can. Setting yourself up to succeed is easier if you really want to.
Don’t let a lack of structure and guidance be your downfall. Schedule yourself in to succeed.
