Elementary, Dear Watson Was Almost Lost on Me

Until I learned nothing is too complicated that a simple routine cannot fix.

Where would you go in your mind when you meditate? Photo by Alexa on Pixabay

After admitting that my sedentary life was uncomfortably comfortable, I searched for ways to stretch myself — both figuratively and literally. I began a walking regimen to add movement to my day and added a variety of light stretches to help keep me limber.

Unfortunately, like most things I introduced requiring consistency, I stopped and fell back into old sitting patterns while my body expanded. Yet, although I’m not a champion of moving, idle, I’m not.

While working as a Human Resources Coordinator, writing has become a welcomed routine in my free time. Typically awake two hours early, a ritual of fresh coffee, a healthy dose of morning reads on Medium, and check-in with gratitude before settling to write my weekly short forms suits me well.

Writing in silence is hands down the calmest part of my day. There are no interruptions or expectations, only pure opportunities to connect with my authentic self. Some suggest adding meditation would take my morning ritual to the next level. I also would like to learn how to tap into my forgotten dreams.

Developing a morning routine has shown me I can be my most productive when setting perimeters around my activities and staying focused. I must admit that these routines provide great comfort to a chaotic mind like mine. There’s no more guesswork on what I should be doing.

Now, there’s a clear emphasis on expanding knowledge, practicing skills, and exercising my creative muscle. And yet, while I’m living the morning life I love, my early routine has taught me so much more.

If I look at the big picture of all the tasks I need to accomplish in a day, I become overwhelmed and exhausted before I even begin. I deplete viable energy; I experience worry and dread. While this may not work for everyone, compartmentalizing my day works best. I look at what’s in front of me and give it my full attention.

There’s so much noise happening every day all around us. Yet, I now move through my day with greater pleasure by living in the moment.

I savour that first cup of morning coffee, embrace the morning greetings of my colleagues, dive into the duties of my work, write to my heart's content during my breaks, and before I know it, I’m on my way home to the man that I love and the evening writing ritual I embrace.

So, while I haven’t mastered a solid exercise or cleaning routine yet, I’m well on my way to proving to myself I can stick to a regimen. All the while, learning routines can turn into the best part of my day — any time of the day.

It’s elementary, after all.

We are forever growing in marvellous and wondrous ways. So take a moment to honour where you are today.

“The more you celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” — Oprah Winfrey.

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If you’re looking for more to read, here are my three newest articles on Medium.

Heaven can wait, I’ve got you, Baby.

I kissed a pilot in the cockpit and I didn’t even know him.

Love is in the air, but then again, so is COVID.

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See you in a month with another exciting newsletter.

Until then, what new routines are you setting into motion?

Karen

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