Routine
I've always considered my ability to adapt as a strength. It's the answer I give in job interviews and the excuse I tell myself when I'm caught somewhere without a plan. The notion of traveling without destination, a sense of adventure and discovery — so romantic and fun!
Not so fun, is when you're tired and hungry and can't find a bathroom. It took me (only) a few trips to appreciate that structure supports discovery. Planning ahead leaves room for the impulsive decisions. But as hard learned as this lesson was, it's only recently that I've recognized it play out over the rest of my life.
I've been meeting up with my cousin Pete almost every year for a while now, but this might have been the first time I initiated it. I wouldn't say I’d been taking the invitations for granted — I’ve always looked forward to it — but it felt a little different this time.
I gained just a little more appreciation for his commitment to keeping in touch, planning some time to spend together, and being a host. I can only hope to adopt more routine into my life. Maybe even to the point where others find value in it.