..or do you own your routine?
Fear not fellow Friday-ers, I have no intention (or mental capacity) to get too introspective on the topic today, but it is something that has been on my mind the past couple of days.
I’m a creature of habit and for the large part it works well for me. I’m a believer in the power of routine in leading to success in many areas of life- personal, health, professional, relationship-wise, etc. I’d say I always liked routine, but it really cemented its stronghold in my life when I had Hailey. Any new parent will tell you that living life in those new baby 2.5-3 hour time blocks is a tough change of pace and I clung to routine to keep me rolling through my weeks.
An “on Wednesdays we wear pink” sort of setup if you will, though instead of wearing pink, it was play group, or grocery shop, or story time.
…but…
I’m finding that there is a time where a routine can transform into a rut. I believe this happens when you no longer even consider options outside out your set routine. This has been happening to me recently. I’m slowly understanding that I’m entering a new phase of life that isn’t completely dictated by rigid baby nap and meal schedules. It’s exciting (and of course bittersweet), but it’s taking me some time to realize and embrace it.
Hailey doesn’t really need naps anymore and Kaitlyn only takes one, in which she is flexible on the timing. I’m still nursing, but I’m totally comfortable breastfeeding wherever (all modesty is gone at this point) and since it’s only three times a day, it isn’t that intrusive. Lunch doesn’t have to be at 12:15 on the dot anymore. And most of all, the girls are just up for more. They are learning to enjoy the adventure instead of needing the same structure throughout the day. So, things are changing around here.
After a morning play date yesterday, we ran errands then hit up the pool with friends, blowing right through Hailey’s usual nap time.
My fridge emptied out pretty quickly this week, so for dinner last night the girls had butternut squash ravioli, peas and vanilla ice cream, all served on the same plate.
Last night a friend twisted my arm enough to actually leave the house after the girls went down to take a yoga class.
Leaving the house after bedtime is totally out of the norm for me and go figure, it was just what I needed.
I’m not saying I’m throwing all structure out the window (and vanilla ice cream certainly isn’t becoming our new dinnertime staple, much to Hailey’s disappointment), but it’s important to remind myself that my schedule shouldn’t own me. Yes, habits and routine are good, but I should keep an open mind to switching things up every now and again and remember to enjoy the journey.
Have you ever felt any part of your routine turn into a rut?
And I’m curious… do you often leave the house after dinner?
It blows my mind to see so many people out “after bedtime” – hah!
I encourage you to switch something up this weekend and just see how exhilarating it is 😉
Have a great one!
John J. says
Routine and structure are great as long as they don’t stifle “adventure” – whatever it may be!
Brynn says
i feel ya- getting the little one onto a schedule was wonderful. But there are times when I think I’m too stuck to it. BB (before baby) I used to take an 8pm yoga class that was amazing. My goal is to get back to it soon!
SHU says
love this post. i too find myself getting a little too caught up in the ‘default’ routine sometimes. and like you, my 2 are getting to the point of being more flexible, so i don’t always have to let the clock rule.
as for getting out out after dark – how timely! i recently committed to a night off per week (Thursday). because honestly i feel like i NEEd it! but last night i found myself not knowing what to do with myself. (what do people DO in the evening? other than sleep or sit on the couch?). i wrote myself a little list this morning, with options for next time 🙂
Kathy says
Oh, yes, I love routine but totally understand your points. And funny that you went out last night after your girls went down, as I changed up my routine last night as well. I am typically one to stay home after I get home from work (especially in the winter) but summer is more flexible. So last night 2 of my girlfriends and I ran in a Thursday night 5K at 7pm. It was fun and totally different as our bodies are used to running at 5AM which we also did that morning. It was fun and a nice change of pace! Have a great weekend!!!
Ellie says
Love this post! I have a 9 month old and I try to stick to a routine for naps but I feel so rigid about it on the weekends (oh the anxiety!) whereas my husband wants to go go go (we both work full time during the week). I try not to wish away the days of being so tied to being at home for naps, but other times I feel like it would be easier to not have the naps “tying us down” and we could just go out and about on the weekends together.
Jerrica says
I am a total free spirit and so is my husband! Our life is such a crazy, spontaneous adventure and that has not changed since having kids. We frequently decide friday afternoon, over a few texts, that we should leave and head somewhere for the weekend. I carry that over into my life as a mom as well. I wake up at 7, ask the kids what they want to do that day and that is what we do. Go to the zoo…alright! Beach day…well, its only 60 there but ok! Favorite park an hour away-sure! We have such a blast and I am already preparing myself for the changes ahead-my oldest starts Kindergarten in the fall 🙁
Jenn says
Same here! There is no such thing as a schedule. But I will be the first to admit my kids are horrible sleepers and maybe that has something to do with it.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I don’t have kids so right now aside from work my days really have no routine. I like it that way but agree that some routine is definitely necessary to be productive and sane!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I am such a creature of habit! And I tend to get a little agitated when things do not go according to my “plan”. However, I am working on being a little more flexible. It does make me a more relaxed person!
Have a great weekend!
MrsFF says
I’m pretty flexible as I believe too much rigidity defeats the purpose of having structure in place.
As for going out after bedtime- no- I’m out all day for work and the last thing I want to do is be out when I have to be up early the next day!
Michelle O. says
I am a creature of habit as well and would say my routine owns me.
Anyone reading this, please spread Finn’s story. This 5 month old baby boy was born with a heart condition, has already had open heart surgery & has complications with his Thoracic duct ever since. He has been in the hospital since April healing and recovering.
PLEASE SHARE HIS STORY—I have put together an instagram auction and all donations go to finds medical funds. All I am asking is anyone reading this, check out @prayersforfinnauction or #prayersforfinn If this little guy makes you smile just repost a photo of him and announce that there is an auction happening over @prayersforfinnauction.
We have a lot of donations from shops but we need the people to come and bid now. Auction will be Thurs June 25.
Thank you so much to anyone that checks it out and repost. SHARE FINN’S STORY!!!
xo, Michelle
http://rosetolife.com
kerry says
Ah this is totally me at the moment! I need a change! Loved this post 🙂 x
Holly says
My two kids have hit a similar point with naps. Our son just turned one and he’s our last…so I think part of it is feeling like “yes we survived babyhood!” Part of it might also be summer and feeling like the kids can finally have real fun this year. Whatever it is, our routine has also been pretty non-routine lately.
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
Oh my gosh, I’m totally the same way about routine! It’s like I completely forget that there are other options until someone reminds me.