I notice the older I get, the more difficult it is to get out of my usual routine.

[raccoon]

Even when I'm bored with it. Even though, usually, when I choose to get out of my routine, I have a good time.

I have a suspicion this is usual as one gets older. Your experience?

[zipplewrath]

1. You pick it for reasons

If those reasons don't change, you'll tend to pick it again and again.

And changes don't necessarily bring instant results, so there can be a disconnect between making a change and reaping the benefits.

The worst of course is when you change what needs to be changed, but change it to something "worse". It leaves the impression that what you're doing is "best". False conclusion of course, just because there are things that are worse, doesn't mean there isn't something that is better.

What I do tend to find is that "everything changes every 10 years". It is a continuous process of course, but I find that if I look back 10 years, a tremendous amount has changed, even though I was barely aware of the magnitude of the change since it was such a continuous change of a series of very small changes.

[Peregrine Took]

2. Incredible! I was just saying this to my husband.

We went up to Wisconsin for a week and I didn't have a good time at all. My routine was messed up. Got up at a different time, ate at different times, etc. I couldn't wait to get back home and to sleep in my own bed.

I even got sick towards the end of the week away - immune system/nerves had me all shook up. Plus, when we have gone up there before, is always been cold/chilly - turtleneck weather. This time is was in the 80's - yikes - not right - 'couldn't adjust!

[sad sally]

3. usual routines are what keep this household sane and running...

nothing wrong with that, far as we can see. Always glad to see another morning coming in the window and hear the dog snoring. Same ole', same ole' - nothing beats it.