It’s taken some time but my brain, body, and spirit have now all arrived here in my local Pacific Daylight Time. I have to admit, it took me longer than I expected to fully arrive back home. The idea that a ‘pit stop’ in Ontario for a few days after my time in Paris would help relieve the jetlag, fell short of the expected benefit. But who cares? I’ve always felt that jetlag is just a small price, the minor inconvenience of seeing another part of the world so greatly removed from yours by distance, it was once inconceivable to visit.
Travelling gives you the unique opportunity to not only experience a culture and lifestyle different from your own but also the gift of recognizing the delights in your daily life you might otherwise take for granted. For me, this trip reminded me of how comfortable my bed is, how beautiful the view from my home is and how much I enjoy my new habit of writing in the mornings.
It’s a habit I’ve been developing after making a commitment, to myself more than anyone, that I would write a book. And to keep my writing ‘muscles’ flexed, to also maintain my dedication to posting regularly on my blog and other writers’ platforms. That makes for a lot of writing to do each day and while I was away exploring Paris and eating cheese, I have to admit, I missed it.
Help with keeping habits
To give credit where credit is due, I’ve also been reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. If you haven’t already tapped into the brilliance that is this book, and you struggle with either making or breaking habits, I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s page after page of wisdom, research, examples, and best of all, tips for establishing habits that benefit your life.
I didn’t completely abandon my writing. While I was away, I did take copious notes. And I did manage to post a couple of times while I was on the road but the habit of getting up, making my coffee, and then sitting at my keyboard was lost. And I missed it. It’s a remarkable thing that something so quickly can become a part of your daily routine that you miss it when you miss it.
So, I am happily back at it. I have set my alarm for a little bit later than it was before (maybe that jetlag hasn’t totally left me) but I’m sure I’ll inch it back to my regular start time before I know it. Regardless of when I write to you, I’m happy to be writing to you again. Welcome back to my little corner of the world.
I’m glad you’re here.
