It’s not easy returning from paradise and getting back into my normal routine. I had a blast these last couple of weeks; reuniting with friends during the holidays, celebrating friendships, birthdays, new babies and making new friends and memories.
I’m struggling with jumping back into my routine. Times like these challenge my energy and resilience and I find myself procrastinating to read a book or write a paper. It’s not that I don’t like the material. I am fascinated with my learnings and the “aha” moments. This is truly a great program and the books are amazing (TRUE NORTH by Bill George is a must read) and the self-assessments are eye-opening (EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE 2.0 by Bradberry and Greaves).
What is my routine you ask? Well let me share what a “normal” day would look like for me-if there is such a thing. My alarm is set for 6am. Don’t know about you, but I hate the sound of alarms. The sounds themselves cause stress and despair. Fire trucks and police car sirens scare the life out of me. Flashbacks of my college years drown my mind when I hear them.
Anyways, at 6am I struggle to roll out of my warm bed and into my gym clothes. I stumble out of my house with my gym, toiletry, lunch and book bags tied over my shoulders with a piece of fruit in one hand and my keys in the other. The good thing about living in Kern County—NO TRAFFIC! This means I’m at the gym by 7am. I’ll run 3-4 miles, stretch, and if the steam room is working I’ll spend a few minutes dehydrating myself. The steam room is the best part of going to the gym.
By 9am I’m at work checking my emails, meeting with students, working on reports, and if time permits I’ll socialize with my co-workers. Why do we need to work 8 hours? Why can’t it be just 6? I’m just saying, you know.
Normally, I’m out by 6pm, but only if I don’t have to stay for a team meeting, web conference or school assignment. If I’m out early, I’ll go to the grocery store or run some random errand. I’m normally home by 8pm which means by the time I unload my bags, reload my bags, and take a shower it’s close to 9pm. This is when I dig deep for the last bit of energy to read my books, write in my school journal, or begin to write an assignment. I start to fall asleep around 11pm and I'll do jumping jacks to keep myself awake for one more chapter, page, or just a little more note-taking.
What are the latest shows? I’m not sure……, what’s the latest news? don’t ask me……, what’s the latest gossip?.... I don’t know. What’s the latest fashion? Please take me shopping if I fall out of this category.
Please if I don’t call or text you back right away, I’m not ignoring you. If I don’t go visit, it’s not because you’re not my friend anymore. If I don’t facebook you, it’s not because I don’t like what your writing. I’m just trying to enjoy the sand as it runs through my fingers.
PEACE and GOD BLESS!
