Routines + Holiday = ?

I am amongst my friends and family known for my routines. I wouldn’t say that i am strict per say, but i do perhaps have a tendency to be comfortable with following these “rules and schedules”. To try and optimize my days. Funny thing is, life cannot (and really shouldn’t be) optimized in every aspect - you are then effectively optimizing out the living part of living your life.

“Life happens” - is what most people say. Often it is said when something wrong or bad happens, or it could be said in an optimistic way too. Because life does indeed happen, but you will need to give it room to happen. Imagine it as being a huge, empty room. You’re there, with a guitar or a rock, or anything really. You can chose to make a sound, study the item, or just sit there. You will have to perform some sort of action for things to happen - but you will also have to wait for the said thing to happen. Play the guitar, wait for the tune. Throw the rock, wait for it to smash onto the floor. The example with the rock is probably best - because when it is flying through the air, you cannot do anything. What happens from this point onwards, will happen regardless of your actions. Just like life. It happens, sometimes you are without power or control… but weirdly, you can control surprisingly much of it.

Back to the routines…

When on holiday, i do not follow my routines at all. I sometimes stop developing games and everything else in an instant. Sure, some scripts and designs here and there, but not on a schedule. I try to write on this blog, but i sometimes forget that too. I cut the strings that keeps my “day-to-day” going, and do totally different things. I get super social with friends and visit my family a bunch. Something i rarely get to do (or create the room in my schedule to do?) during the regular weeks of the year. A sort of night & day shift in how i spend my time. Honestly? i love that. Its like i get to live two lives. One that is super focused and progresses on multiple levels at once - and the other one, where i get to spread good vibes, love and care for people that matters to me. Truly a nice mix.

I like the concept of embracing “no schedule, we see what happens”. Life needs room to unfold, but when this room is given - it is important to utilize it. View it as a room with close to endless possibilities, and few limitations.

My tip: Feel free to schedule your holidays - but don’t optimize it.
Give life room to unfold, and when theres room; add action.

John