I've always loved a good routine. I've always felt they brought a sense of order and peace to my home and life. Now more than ever they soothe me during stormy times.
My daily routine looks a little like this...
I wake early, sometimes as early as 4am. I have a cup of french press coffee and get back into bed. I read, journal and meditate.
Next I will usually go for a morning walk through the park.
When I return I make us breakfast. Lately it's been hot oatmeal with fresh blueberries.
After breakfast I go into the garden and see what needs to be done. Summer means watering first. We have no sprinkler system so I water by hand. This routine is deeply soothing to me.
Next I go inside and will straighten up and depending on the day may get into chores such as cleaning the bathrooms or doing the floors. Yesterday I cleaned out the refrigerator.
I try to run any errands before lunch because of the afternoon heat.
After lunch, which lately has been fresh salads and fruit we tend to curl up with a book and maybe take a nap.
All of this isn't much but it's the dailies that are keeping me sane. Who knew little things like that would be so grounding?
Do you love routines or are you more of a fly by the seat of your pants lady/gentleman? Do tell. xo
Good day...I have to say I love routines. They are soothing to my soul especially when things around me tumble here and there.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger I would be frustrated I couldn't get life or others to adapt to my routine. We had our own printing business does that tell you something. But now in my 60s I have adapted my own routine...and it's doesn't matter if others follow I walk in my quiet peace. Love your post. Praying for your Larry.
I love routines and schedules. I get up and zip through my house getting the everyday things done. I prefer to keep up than catch up.
ReplyDeleteAfternoons are hot and lately we have a thunder storm early evening so no therapeutic watering.
I love a slow quiet summer with plenty of iced tea, lemonade, potato salad and grandchildren spending the night.
I'm loving you posting so often!
Sending prayers for you and Larry.
Like you, routines. Since I am unable to make small decisions without spinning up the big decision engine, best for me is to have the decision of what to do at what time of the day already set:).
ReplyDeleteYour routine sounds quite serene for a summer season. I am appreciating routine more as I get older. I also find it changes according to seasons. Exercise is always incorporated and reading at bed time. I have some guilty routines as well, television, a glass of wine...haha. Thanks for sharing yours, Janet. Love all of your posts. Sending hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteAnother routine lover as well. I like to get up early, do chores and run errands in morning .
ReplyDeleteAlways read at night before going to sleep.
Connie
I do have specific morning routines but the rest of the day just evolves...depending on my mood and what needs to be tended to in our home and garden. The roses always need deadheading at this time of year and I also hand water the pots and certain areas of the garden.
ReplyDeleteI think routines are key in being organized with the domestic chores. Gardening and watering are very soothing...
XO
I only have a consistent 1 hour routine in the morning. I have my morning coffee in bed while reading e-mails - news and a few blogs/instagrams. Then I clean the cat's box and ensure there is food/water for it.
ReplyDeleteThe only other consistency in the day with summer is deadheading the roses/petunias and watering potted plants. Too much heat will keep me indoors. My work schedule is also not consistent so if I have to work later in the day I stay around the house.
I enjoy having the day evolve.
I just discovered your blog a few months ago - have enjoyed reading past posts.
This year is turning out to be a difficult year. I embrace normal. Normal is grounding. My normal has no routine per se, other than school runs, squeezing in a daily walk or swim in the sea and the garden is having to fend for itself again. Golf has been given a sabbatical. The day starts with coffee in bed and then it's every man for himself!
ReplyDeleteHugs, my sweet, x.
Very interesting to read your comments and those of others here. Fighting for a good routine is one of my main aims in life. I've never had a good one since I lived at home as a kid with my folks. I don't recommend it; it's not empowering. When I worked outside the home, I was forced to be more organized; keep to a schedule so I could get everything done.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things which is hard for me is that I never know when my husband will go to work, what time he'll be home, if he's working a weekend, etc. (and it's been this way for 30 years of married life; it's just how he works and the type of jobs; it's not even week to week, it's day to day; you can't plan anything; is very disrupting). And we have completely-diff personalities which doesn't make for good rhythm; he needs a lot of stimulus/physical motion whereas I'm VERY solitary/quiet. Quiet pursuits. We talk about it a lot, he and I - we're mature adults who can work this out and we love each other! - because he'll be retired soon and we know we'll have challenges - we've never lived together on a 24/7 basis like normal people - but I don't mean to be insensitive about talking of it when this is nothing compared to challenges you and Larry are currently going through, Janet. My challenges are nothing compared to yours.
I like what others are saying here, that even with chaos all around them, they still manage to carve out some degree of routine for themselves. I think that takes good discipline; I aspire to it.
It's so important to have an organized day most of the time, because it in turn frees up time...for the really good stuff; the right stuff. And, as we age, it's so essential to stay on the clock for fitting everything in, like keeping to a medication regimen, proper mealtimes for maximum health; exercise as you do; all the rest, including essential sleep.
I grew up in a supremely-organized household and I miss it. I'd scoff at it when a young adult but being too boho ever since has just made me lack the borders/framework I need to be not lazy and stay on track. You waste a lot of time without a routine. It's no way to be productive and calm either. As usual, Janet, you've got it down; you thankfully have what you need right now in terms of a day. I admire you!
Your routine sounds lovely. I have a routine, but I don't think it's as calming or soothing as it should be. I'm inspired by yours. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI took an early retirement in 2010 and after working a few more full time years, I am now working part time (27 hours a week) from home. I love the freedom it gives me, but some weeks are just as stressful as any full time job I ever had. My routine is volunteering. I'm in my 5th year of volunteering at a science museum (my Sunday) and 3rd year of volunteering as a bottle feeder at our humane society kitten nursery (early Monday mornings). These times ground my week and they are a non-negotiable part of my life. Looking ahead, there is a real possibility I will be cutting back my working hours or quitting altogether after the end of the year and increasing my volunteering time significantly. You could not pay me enough to go back to a regular full time work schedule. PS - watering by hand has been my meditation since I was a young teen and essential to my well being!
ReplyDeleteA kitten nursery sounds like the cutest thing ever!
DeleteI love my early morning routine (5am-6am I get up) but struggle with my afternoon and evening routine because I have "petered" out. My energy is SO high in the morning but about 2-5 p.m. I'm done. I struggle to keep going. If anyone is reading this and are similar to me - I would love to know what you do to keep going. I would say 2-5 p.m.is my "deadspace". About 5 p.m. I do come back to life. Would love to know what you do in this time space 2-5pm that is peacefull and you look forward to. Thanks Janet for this WONDERFUL POST!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
DeleteWhen I'm low energy in the afternoon I take a twenty minute nap. You'd be surprised how calming and rejuvenating it can be.
Bernadette
I agree with Bernadette - a SHORT nap (don't nap any longer than 20 minutes, otherwise you'll go into a deep sleep and then you'll feel even more groggy, plus it'll be too hard to fall asleep at night) is perfect in the afternoon!
DeleteMy only routine is the first couple hours of the morning. I get up between 5-6am normally, pour the first cup of coffee immediately (have it on a timer...my young granddaughter says I drink "about a hundred cups" but it's just three), open my computer and read news, blogs, check the bank account etc. A bowl of oatmeal and then it's time to get on with the day. Rather than a routine, I usually have a "to do" list (lots of gardening). Most days. I take a 3 mile walk somewhere in between all of that. Then a simple supper with my husband, and we relax until bedtime.
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm just imagining my 30 year old self reading this and being horrified that, 30 years in the future, I'd be content with this "boring" life. But I love it. Happy that you're finding serenity in your routine too, Janet.
I crave routine but an occasional happy unplanned interruption makes happy too. I am a nester too Janet. Home, nature, spiritual meditation and study,accomplising work, and participating in creative pleasures feed my soul.
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ReplyDeleteI see that I am a slug compared to all these commenters!
ReplyDeleteI took early retirement in 2005 because of malignant hypertension. 270/160. they looked at me as if I were going to explode at any moment.
I had worked a stressful job for over 20 years with very strict hours and deadlines. I was ready to have NONE!
and now I see that I actually do have little routines throughout the day. but I'm very laid back about it. when working I had everything all planned out even on the weekends! now... I relax and go with the flow. if I feel like it I do it. if I don't I don't!
not sure if that's healthy. but it makes me happy.
you and Larry remain in my every prayer darling AJJ. stay strong. XO
Your routine sounds wonderful. And it brings you peace, which is important now more than ever. I'm a bit of a routine girl. I like to also do things on the spur-of-the-moment, so I'm a bit of both I guess. I used to make my coffee with a French press, but then I bought a nice, new coffee maker with bonus points earned at Williams Sonoma. I enjoy making coffee with it, and sometimes I set it up the night before and use the auto timer setting so it will be ready for us in the morning.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering ... are you no longer working as an aesthetician? It sounds like you're not, but I wasn't sure.
Claudia
Like you, I thrive on routine ... and am also an early riser. It's comforting to know what to expect, and this comfort allows me to deal with better with things that are unexpected. This time of year, it's coffee, a quick bite to eat, then time in the garden dealing with Japanese Beetles and weeds, followed by a real breakfast. Errands, if I have any, after this.
ReplyDeleteI do love routines, unfortunately my routines went out the window some time ago. I must say I probably was a little regimented, but now I'm just rather a mess! Maybe I went a bit from one extreme to the other, I just don't know. As usual, you inspire me to re-think, re-tool, and start again.
ReplyDeleteAs a single mom and someone who has always worked full time, routines have always been a part of my life. I don't know how the fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants folks do it because it would drive me crazy. Having said that, however, I have often wished it didn't and that I could be more like that...laundry whenever the mood strikes or I've run out of clean undies, spur of the moment outings that aren't planned out beforehand, grocery shopping because the fridge is bare and not because it is Saturday...you get the drift. But I am a girl of routines and they do keep me sane.
ReplyDeleteI like to begin and end the day in the same way every day, but arrange the rest of the day based on what most needs doing in the house and garden. Now that I am not working full time, I enjoy not having to conform to a fixed schedule. I usually wake between 7-8, let our dog, a long-haired Dachshund, outside, and then feed him and our cat. Then I make myself a cup of coffee and savor it while I check email. Occasionally I will sit outside, but I’m usually in my favorite spot in the living room. This is one of my two most favorite times in the day (the other is just as the light begins to change at the end of the day) and I treasure the silence and peace. What I do during the day depends upon the weather, what my husband is doing, whether the grandchildren are coming to me or not, what my garden needs, what projects I am working on, and what activities are on our calendar. The day always includes at least one walk with the dog, a bike ride if weather permits (we are on the east end of Long Island, NY where it’s flat and the biking is easy!), a fair amount of food prep/cooking, often a stop at one beach or another, often an afternoon nap, and always lots of reading. Very best wishes to you and Larry, Janet, and I am glad you find balance and strength in your daily routine.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet. I've really enjoyed reading everyone's routine. I'm a single, empty-nester, stillllll working teacher (one more year) who loves working in her yard. I teach in a high school autism classroom where structure is everything. Through my 19 years of teaching this, I found that I ALSO feel better, happier when I have a daily schedule! Without my daily schedule, I feel like I'm just walking around in circles. During the school year, my schedule mainly consists of weekend tasks because once home from my school day, I usually just plan for the next day. Then comes summer....my favorite time of year! I will write on a notebook a schedule I need to do for the next day. Almost exclusively this schedule revolves around my yard, my 2 dogs (and wine)! I'm a morning person and like you, my errands are mainly done in the morning because it gets so hot here in Texas. I really enjoy your blogs. Thanks ya'll!
ReplyDeleteYour routine sounds lovely Janet, even am a creature of routine helps to keep me organized .
ReplyDeleteYour husband is home?! That’s great news. Your cottage is a healing place. I realized the importance of having a routine when our children were little. I used to get up before everyone else and have my quiet time to read and organize. I still do it. I’m up early, go to my sitting room and meditate and read. I light a candle and some incense.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a routine girl here! Although I can adapt when necessary, I prefer planning and/or routine to flying by the seat of my pants. There is comfort in the familiar :). May the Holy Spirit bring peace and comfort into your home today. I hope your day is blessed!
ReplyDeleteROUTINE!
ReplyDeleteCOFFEE first after feeding THE CLAN!!!CHECK INSTAGRAM than emails.......
Clean up kitchen.FEED CHICKENS.
Than the day can START!!!!!!
XX
I wake quite early to see my husband off to work. The first thing I do is pour a glass of iced tea (all seasons) and check my eBay. (I have a small niche business there.) Then I bike 3 miles on my stationary bike, shower, have breakfast and pack any orders from eBay. Mornings are spent on various household chores and laundry or a bit of cooking to get a start on dinner. Most days I have a quick run to the Post Office to drop off shipping. Other errands are run in the mornings too. (I loathe shopping of all kinds!)
ReplyDeleteIn the afternoon, I read or work on my cross stitch project. (I have been stitching reproduction antique samplers for many years.) Hubby and I eat dinner about 6 pm and then just enjoy the evening together. Oh, and I always pack his lunch while I'm cleaning up the kitchen.
It's a very quiet routine compared to life when our four children lived at home!
Definitely prefer my routine. It’s shifted over the years depending on the age of my children, my job and my husband’s routine. We’re now semi retired and empty nesters. A routine just makes me feel a bit safe, control issues? haha plus it makes me get things done. It may sound a bit boring to some but I love it. I’ve rarely ever been bored. It’s all those little things throughout the day that give me great pleasure.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kathy
I loved reading everyone's take on having a routine or not. I do have a routine on days I don't need to get out the door early. Coffee, feed the cat her little treat of wet food for the day, feed the dog & let her out, then to my library to read devotionals & scripture. On days I am motivated, I journal after reading. Then I begin my To Do list for the day, or check on the list I started the night before. Weather plays an important role in how I manage my day. In the summer, I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible...gardening or creating new gardens, or garden related projects. I love all four seasons, but don't waste any beautiful weather indoors unless absolutely necessary...it's my rule. I have plenty of winter weather & rainy days to catch up inside.
ReplyDeleteBut I also try to be flexible if a friend or family member needs help. I think flexibility is as important as routine. Otherwise we allow things to govern our time, when often the people in our lives need us too.
I love your routine Janet...I think it lowered my blood pressure just reading it. I think you show what it takes to cope with unexpected challenges by adapting your routine to what works for you & Larry at this time. Godspeed!
Anita - the cabin on the creek
...all is grace!
I find having a routine is soothing. I love to rise before dawn and get everything done before going my water aerobics class at 8:30. Somehow returning to a clean house with everything in order is my Xanax. Then I can enjoy running errands, working in the garden, visiting friends, being spontaneous with the knowledge that everything that has to be done is completed and my little world is in order.
ReplyDeletePeace and Love to you, Madeline
Oh my friend the peaceful pace and mindfulness is such a gift to self and others. Philosopher Rudolf Steiner says Rhythm replaces Strength. I so love this. All my years as a mother of little ones and as a Waldorf Teacher I saw it to be a deeply honest truth. Thus instead of individual single effort repeated in chaos, a healthy constant repetition, though the steps may be small, offers a deeper and fulfilling way both spiritually and daily life. Hold your rhythms as sacred, they will sustain you, refresh you and offer comfort. My heart ached with you on your last post and the "new normal" Know that Larry and you are held in love, health and joy.
ReplyDeleteJanet: thank you for sparking these conversations/sharings of late. I find them to be an exchange of gifts between all of us and have taken a gem from each and delighted in finding confirmation of some of my own "tendencies." Seems all who have written seek order albeit unique to them.
ReplyDeleteHappy days to all from beginning to end.
Just reading this Janet calmed me down and reset my mood. Beautiful. Donna from alovelyinconsequence.blogspot
ReplyDeleteJanet, I think when one is facing such a difficult challenge routine is a MUST. It makes one feel like there is some normalcy to life and that you have some control. I also think that when life is so tenuous we appreciate every day things more than ever, they become highly valued.
ReplyDeleteI think of you and you best guy every day and say a prayer for you both that you will have courage, strength, moments of bliss and joy, healing and comfort.
I really liked reading about the details of your daily routine Janet. You got me thinking about the paradoxical sense of space that routinised tasks can provide. When I do about my daily round of tasks and semi-ritualistic activities ( making coffee for sure!) they help me process things internally - events, thoughts, feelings, etc. I seem to fall naturally into an inner sorting while going about my routine. Having some structure to my day grounds me too. I'm with you on the handwatering. Ferrying water in a watering can back and forth from the water supply to various parts of the garden and to potplants is both a mini workout and zenlike. And I like tasks that connect me to the rhythms of life and basics; food, shelter, water. They replenish the well. Keep well and thanks for sharing your thoughts through your posts, Lizzy.
ReplyDeleteLovely daily routine! I prefer routines and structures, too, especially in the morning. I go to bed late - 11 - 11:30, so I sleep until 7 - 7:30. I make my coffee and have a Lara bar, feed the cats, give my elderly cat his medication, check my email, do yoga, take a shower or bath, then start my housework and laundry. I then eat a late breakfast - either a smoothie or toast with almond butter & fruit. I run errands in the early afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI love your routine, Janet. I walked around with you in my mind's eye, feeling very calm. Thanks for posting. Peaceful wishes to you.
ReplyDeleteWork/commte is my routine. It usually leaves me mentally drained, so evenings and weekends I just putter about the house on crafts, chores, or nothing. I subscribe to John Lennon's philosophy that "time you enjoyed wasting was not wasted."
ReplyDeleteThis summer, it has been frightfully windy in San Francisco. When I get home from work, my front porch is awash with leaves, dirt and debris. So I have started sweeping it clean before I even go into the house. I have found this very meditative, almost as if I am sweeping away the stress of the day. I look forward to retiring (in many years) so I can create the routines that I want,not the ones I have to have.
Janet, your strength and grace are so inspiring. I pray that you continue to hear good news about Larry's health and recovery.
I feel that routines are a strong bulwark against the random nature of the universe and the chaos of the world. Thank you for reminding me, Janet, that in the past few years I've strayed from that path - and consequently my anxiety and stress levels have risen. Going to put that right.
ReplyDeleteMy very ,very best to you and Larry. I hope to hear from you soon. I pray for you, and think of you every day. Kiss hug... Robin
ReplyDelete