I had set out to write daily, however after almost a month and a half I’m finding I just don’t have as much to say. As much as I’m trying to build routine and discipline (I actually had to think for awhile what that word was….guess that shows how much I’m lacking in it! Ha!) in to my life, I also have to recognize that routine is both comforting – and a bit of a death-trap for me. And that they’re quite different things; whereas I used to put them in the same pile.

I love the routine of getting up early, my cat stretching lazily then bounding out of bed to run to the balcony for some fresh air…making my coffee and then sitting in the dark to write or read. It’s the ‘or’ that I need in order for the routine to not become something I just give up completely. I need that flexibility. Yesterday I didn’t really feel like writing and if I’d forced myself… which I have on some days… then I’d turn something I’m enjoying in to something I just abandon. Having the flexibility to say “I think I’ll just read today” is what will keep it going.

Whereas the discipline side kicks in for things that I need to do in order to take care of myself – physically, mentally and spiritually. That’s the ‘getting up early so I have an hour to myself in the quiet before starting my day’…the making my bed when I get up…moving my body for a minimum of 30 mins a day…the washing my face and brushing my teeth before bed.

I never really saw the difference before, but I do now. The discipline is something I’m finding I need – the routine is lovely, but can have some variety within it.

As for the non-drinking…I’m one month and 10 days in to my 3 month promise to myself. And for the first time in a very long time, I feel absolutely on track to keeping that promise!

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