A creature of habit

Is that you, too? Do you embrace the comfort of knowing what’s next? Are you comforted by all days being pretty much the same? I feel that way now more than ever. I have a five mile walk that I do most days and I am content doing the same journey every single time. Seeing the same sights, saying hello to the same animals every day. And getting up each morning to paint has become a daily habit, just as necessary as my morning coffee.

And as much as I love my habits, I’ve been feeling like I’m itching for a change lately. I describe it as feeling short. I know I physically feel that way because I’ve been missing yoga class much too often lately, but I’m also feeling mentally or creatively (or both) short.

That means it’s time to explore without knowing where I’m going. So I’m getting out my acrylic paints and my sketchbook and spending time exploring and having fun with no expectation of outcome. I feel like creating inside of a sketchbook takes away the pressure of creating, because it’s just for my own exploration. I’m hoping to add this practice to my habit list so it becomes part of my everyday life.

So I guess my point is to embrace the habits that are working for you and making you happy. But find ways to add some new ones to help you feel continually inspired. Habits are a safe place to land, but can also be a launching pad to exploration.

What are your favorite habits that make your heart sing?