Each of us has a routine of some type---those things we do without even thinking and, when asked, we couldn’t do without. Now, I’m not thinking about physical functions that occur normally in our daily lives, going to the bathroom is not necessarily a routine, that is necessity.

I came across this routine of "the computer" (as my wife calls it) and I spend more time than any human should perusing Email, reading things on the web, researching---you get the idea! How much time is too much?

Late in July, my line to the internet failed. It didn’t have anything to do with me or my equipment: the phone company couldn’t connect to the provider I use so---I was Off "the computer". And, no matter what I did I couldn’t get back on! What to do?

For the first few days I was moody, anxious, frustrated---all those things people go through while withdrawing from a habit. Then, I realized that it wasn’t going to help. I was out of options so I better make a different routine.

My life began to change. I found myself thinking, "What did you do before you started "the computer"?" And, I realized I had spent much more time outdoors, especially in the summer! And, it is summer and I could do it again.

So, each day became a gift. Because I use the internet for work, I knew that someday it would be back but in the meantime…

It became easier to get dressed in the morning. And, as soon as I was dressed I was out the door. I found myself doing just what I loved, and my visits to the woods and fields became long relaxing hours.

Clean the office? No.

Finish my paperwork? No.

Those things could wait! And wait they did while I wandered and meandered. Such a fine feeling of getting "unhooked" from something I didn’t think I could do without.

It made me think about the ice storm in 1998. We were without power for 11 days. While many said they were restless and out of sorts, I found pleasure in doing things a different way and ate well, stayed busy, and just generally passed the time in a good frame of mind. For many friends and neighbors, that ice storm was the most disruption they had seen in their lives. For me, it was like a sort of vacation with a novel twist.

That leads me to conclude that many of the things done daily in my life could be changed without damaging my happiness. So, what does that say about my personality? And, would I be better off without some of the routine things I do?

Now, the internet is back. I find I can get back to the old ways easily, but I might have learned something about myself! My “pleasure sensors” feel good when I’m going outside---well, I knew that but what I didn’t know was that I could change a routine without much effort, it would happen naturally if I’d let it happen.

Maybe, after a while, I’d even find enough time to clean my office. Or, maybe not---I’d rather be out, on the other side of the door!

08-24-06