Good habits are awesome. Yet even good habits can’t substitute for being present, checking in with yourself, and seeing what fits for you right now. Sometimes the best routines need to give way to present conditions. Inspiration may call for non-habitual behavior (I know: crazy, right?).
I was reminded of this during this morning’s writing session at the cafe. I love going to the cafe. I very much have a habit of going there! Over time, however, I have grown more and more selective about when I go. I want to make sure I achieve what I go there to do, which is bliss out, something I generally do there by writing in my journal while listening to Abraham-Hicks recordings on Youtube.
What once was something I did several days a week has gradually morphed into something I do about once a week. This time I hadn’t gone in ten days. I considered going three days ago, on Tuesday. Tuesdays have often been good cafe mornings. But this Tuesday was the day after I got back from our family vacation. I didn’t feel like spending several hours writing. I also considered going after my run the following morning, but it felt too rushed: I would get to the cafe later than usual, and I had an appointment a few hours later.
Waiting until today paid off. This morning I awoke early, went to the cafe with lots of time and eagerness. I had the kind of experience I treasure: a high-flying writing session where I felt calm, focused, and appreciative.
I realize I gave a lot of thought about what may seem like rather a small decision!* Yet satisfaction takes what it takes. It is so satisfying finding the right timing, where the action is inspired instead of coming merely out of habit.
*What else is new? I am, after all, highly-sensitive. With this comes the tendency to think deeply (overthink?) about things.