A while back I posted “You know it’s time to move on when…” on my Matador blog. Most of the reasons I listed centered around daily routine. For example:
You know it’s time to move on when…
- the neighbour puts his dogs out at the same moment you’re chopping the apple for your cereal every morning.
- you feel like you’re auditioning for the sequel to either Groundhog Day or The Truman Show.
This was posted in August, when our plans to move on from Melbourne were just taking shape. I was wide eyed and full of dreams.
Now, with our outgoing flights only a few weeks away and with all the I-don’t-want-to-do-it-but-it’s-gotta-be-done activity that accompanies a move like this, I’ve been reflecting, rather fondly, on some of the daily things that I will miss.
- Coffee break bagel. There’s a Jewish bakery in town called Glick’s that make some killer poppy seed bagels. I love bagels. I love natural peanut butter (ground freshly at the South Melbourne Market). I will miss this.
- Bike ride through Albert Park to and from work (see photo).
- Sleeping in the most comfortable bed I’ve ever had (extra firm, pocket coils.)
- Walking in that door everyday after work, plopping myself on the couch and watching some evening news (yes, even though much of it is pure BS).
- Having a dedicated container to put my toothbrush and floss after brushing, as opposed to a shaving kit.
As much as I love to move around and have new experiences, there is a lot to be said about routine. It’s comfortable, and comfort is necessary once in a while.
Or…is this just my mind wanting what it knows it can’t get?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the unexpected that travel brings, but I have to say that I also very much welcome some of the routines I’ve created once I get back home.
A little of both, for sure. I know the feeling SOOOO well. Perhaps it’s human nature to never be 100% content right where we are. And that’s not a bad thing–what would life be without nostalgia?
Don’t think it’s the routine that you’ll be missing but anticipating change that your psyche is wrestling with. The big CHANGE, a bit of the unknown………never quite as comfortable as routine is.
Have a good new adventure.
AngelineM you might be right. Besides after leaving home (after 31 years), this is the next biggest change of my life. But I do definitely think there are some routines that will be missed. I think it’s just like anything else in life, it’s a balancing act. I love change and I love new experiences, but I couldn’t constantly be on the road, on the move, like some people can.
I’m starting to think that it is necessary to be able to call a place home, a base to always come back to. Not to say that this is a base for life, but at least for some amount of time.
YES! When I’m here, I hate the cemented routine of work-gym-supper-work, but when I’m away I miss the tiny comforts. I think eventually you just learn to create new routines, no matter if you’re travelling or not.
Hi Carlo! Found your through Matador (of course!). I know the feeling you speak of well– my strategy is to keep reminding myself that change doesn’t necessarily have to be bad or good. It’s all what you make of it!
Good luck. Sounds exciting!
Hey Alyssa, thanks for stopping by and commenting, and thanks for the link on your blog!