I’m starting a new series on the blog today with “Tea Talk”. My first initial thought was how it sounded kind of like “TED talks” (which I am a huge fan of and utilize in my classroom). Yet, the vibe I was going for was similar to a “coffee talk” when two people bond or discuss life over a cup of joe. Thus, tea talk was born out of the two because I’m aiming to discuss important subjects with you guys under the casual ambiance of “a cup of tea”, one of my favorite little things to enjoy. Today’s topic? Stability and routine versus being spontaneous.
I’m a creature of habit. When I was little, my 8:30 bedtime was like clockwork and I can’t remember a time when I truly argued about this. I teach high school and my daily schedule is extremely structured, down to the minute that I go to the bathroom. From the outside looking in, my life appears stable, routine, and planned. I’m sure that you can understand that like most people, there are little turmoils and tornados whipping about, disrupting my beloved schedule and uprooting my routine. Anxiousness used to overtake me when this happened and I struggled when it came to being spontaneous. There’s one thing over the past year that’s really helped me embrace spontaneity: travel.
Through our trips and a few other life experiences, I’ve learned so much more about being flexible, rolling with the punches, and embracing spontaneity. But, what’s more important, I’ve also learned to embrace the stability and routine that guides my weeks. See, both are completely acceptable and an equal mix of routine and spontaneity are, in my opinion, one of the key factors to keeping life balanced. I love that when we travel, we come alive to experience that particular culture. Brandon and I always end up trying a new food, staying up way later than normal, going off the beaten path, and experiencing something new to us. Travel is our time when we throw away the schedule and just wander the city. I think that’s why we love it so much. Many people would agree, travel is adventure. However, lately, when we’ve returned home from a trip, we just love the feeling of our home. The routines we’ve created, the meals we cook, the time before bed when we talk and read, all serve as stability and routine. It got me thinking about the opposites we’ve endured: stability and spontaneity. Both important, both necessary to life; but one should not overpower the other.
Sometimes I think back to my high school self. For the most part, I didn’t allow myself to be influenced by others. But there were times when I found myself questioning if I was cool enough. All of the “cool” girls seemed to be spontaneous and free spirited, not caring if they’d completed last night’s homework because they’d done something better or more exciting. Now, I’m laughing to myself. I think Brandon and I have quickly realized that stability is a positive thing and we love it. We also love throwing schedules out the window and wandering into a quiet bistro, just by chance. Challenge yourself during your travels and weekend adventures, but never take for granted the routines and comforts of home. Better yet, find what pushes you to be spontaneous and do it regularly. Find what gives you routine and balance that as well.
On Katherine: Forever 21 pants, black tank, Gap jean jacket, knockoff Cult Gaia bag, similar wedges, similar silk scarf, Happiness Boutique necklaces, Michele watch
