Yesterday, while I was indulging in my new habit of being on Twitter, I tweeted this question:
I have an old habit of wanting to acknowledge and validate everything that people share, and there have been many profound answers to that question. I also have an old habit of not asking anyone to do anything I’m not willing to do myself, so here’s my answer to my own question:
Actually when I look at that answer, I’m not sure if I’ve totally broken those old habits. However, I’ve made a lot of progress on each, for sure!
One old habit I’ve definitely broken was sucking my thumb, when I was kid. It was a difficult habit to break, and what helped cure me were hospital stays for my heart condition. That reminds me of an old habit I choose not to break: looking for the silver lining in every situation, even if it’s difficult to find.
Over the last two weeks, I’ve gotten into the habit of not working because of my long-awaited vacation. I’ve also developed an 18-month habit of working completely from home.
I’ll be breaking those newer habits soon, and reconnecting with older habits as I work at my hospital office on Mondays and work remotely the rest of the week. I also want to break the old habit of doubting my abilities to adapt to challenges that feel new.
I have no plans to break my old habit of sharing my latest images with you here.
Since it’s National Read a Book Day, I strongly recommend “Blind Spot,” which is about the difficulty of breaking old habits that result from unconscious biases, including internalized racism, sexism, and ageism.
I have an old habit I have no wish to break: that of sharing great music here, every day.
I also have no intention of breaking my old habit of thanking those who help me create these daily blogs, including YOU!
i’ve broken the old habit of saying yes to everything. very liberating.
That’s great, beth !
You have many good habits that I would like to acquire, Ann. I wish we could share habits the way we share a plate of cookies.
Was your area affected by the storm the way New York was? I hope not.
I appreciate your habits too, Maureen, including your habitual empathy and caring about others. I’m glad to say that the storm did not affect us here.
Although old habits may be outgrown, I consider some of them essential for survival. Old habits may be discarded as they’re no longer practical, nor apply to our present reality. However, some are deeply rooted and may possibly be related to a circadian rhythm.
I appreciate your habitually illuminating comments, Maria.
Ann I used to suck my thumb too. I stopped when the orthodontist inserted a retainer that i had to adjust every night with a key. There was no room for my thumb. As I got older I developed a habit of being cynicial , however I always believe that there is a sunny side of the street.
I’m glad you have the habit of commenting on my blog!
I broke the habit of repeating myself. I’ve done it many times!
Your comments are a welcome habit here, Peter!
I’ve broken the habit of believing that I need to be the one to always follow up with everyone and hold onto friendships that aren’t particularly reciprocal. This last year has helped me change some of that thinking!
That’s wonderful, Debra!
Like Beth, I have (largely) broken the habit of saying yes to everything, feeling as though I must accommodate others’ requests, no matter how inconsiderate or outrageous. Definitely a work in progress. 🙄 I love your habit of showing up here everyday with an interesting observation or question, Ann! ☺️
I love your habit of showing up here with your wonderful comments, Lori.
Thank you for continuing your habit of sharing photos, Ann.
Thank you for sharing, my wonderful friend.