A Breath of Fresh Air
Embracing Change: How Shifting Your Routine Can Spark Joy and Creativity
We so often get stuck in the mundaneness of our routines. If you've been reading past Journal Entries or following on social media, this might sound counterintuitive to my previous Journal Entry "Grounding Through Routines" or my Sunday Reset ritual. Don’t get me wrong, these rituals aren’t going anywhere. They ground us and provide a sense of stability and comfort. However, sometimes we need a significant shift in our routines to expand our thinking and open our minds to new ideas and experiences.
The Power of Breaking the Routine
Routines are essential. They help us manage our time, maintain our responsibilities, and achieve our goals. Yet, the monotony of doing the same things day in and day out can stifle creativity, diminish enthusiasm, and dull the joy we find in daily life. When we become too entrenched in our routines, we risk losing the spark that makes life exciting and vibrant. By shaking things up and introducing new elements into our schedule, we can reignite our passion and creativity.
A Breath of Fresh Ocean Air
I recently returned to Canada for a friend’s wedding and extended the trip to visit Tofino with friends. There is something about being by the ocean that opens my mind. I find magic in the endless expanse of water. It makes me feel small. Not small in an insignificant or meaningless way, but small in the way that my day-to-day problems or worries don’t seem as big in the greater scheme of life and nature.
Being in Tofino, surrounded by the ocean mist, the rugged coastline, and the lush forests, provided a refreshing change from my usual environment. It reminded me of the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new experiences. This shift in my surroundings and routine brought a sense of wonder and a renewed sense of creativity.
Change Up Your Routine
Travel or Take a Day Trip: You don't need to go far. A day trip to a nearby town, park, or beach can provide a new perspective and a break from the ordinary.
Try a New Activity: Sign up for a class, start a new hobby, or explore an activity you’ve always been curious about. Whether it’s pottery, cooking, or learning a musical instrument, trying something new can invigorate your creative spirit. Even just for one evening.
Change Your Environment: Rearrange your furniture, redecorate a room, or create a new workspace. A fresh environment can inspire new ideas and break the cycle of monotony.
Vary Your Routine: Switch up your daily schedule. If you usually exercise in the morning, try doing it in the evening. If you always eat lunch at your desk, take it outside. Small changes can make a big difference.
Disconnect to Reconnect: Take a break from your phone. Spend time in nature, read a book, or engage in a creative activity without the distraction of screens. This can help you reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.
Engage with New People: Meet new people or reconnect with old friends. Conversations with others can introduce new ideas and perspectives that spark creativity.
The Balance of Routine and Change
While it’s important to introduce changes into your life, it’s equally important to maintain routines that provide structure and stability. The key is to find a balance. Your routines can serve as a foundation that supports you, while new experiences and changes can be the elements that bring excitement and growth.
As I reflect on my time in Tofino, I am reminded of the beauty of both routine and change. The ocean, with its constant ebb and flow, teaches us that life is about balance. The steady rhythm of the tides provides a foundation, while the changing waves bring new possibilities.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating changes into your routine doesn’t mean abandoning the rituals that ground you. It’s about enhancing your life with new experiences and perspectives. So, as you move forward, continue to embrace your routines but allow yourself the freedom to explore, create, and grow. You never know what inspiration and joy a little change can bring.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us. How do you balance routine and change in your life? Tag @balsamandco in your posts or send your stories— I’d love to hear from you!
