I have been thinking about how I act and feel when I am functioning out of my routine.  One could say that my routine over the last few weeks has been ever-changing.  I believe that it helps that I am addicted to change, but when my routine changes daily, it does create a level of chaos.  The question is how well do I function at a constant level of uncertainty?

It is my choice to work in an area full of uncertainty.  What helps is that I create a routine that provides allowances for the unknown.  I work my schedule so that I am able to respond to last-minute changes.  Without a routine, I find myself stressed, moody, and unable to handle the constant level of uncertainty.  I set myself up with a routine so that success is possible.  I give the uncertainty to God and rely on my faith. 

Without my faith, I would be constantly worried that I would not have enough work to support my family.  However, I have set up a routine that allows me to succeed if work presents itself.  I rely on my faith to provide the work that is necessary to support my family.  

As my previous routine has been turned upside down, I recall a time when my mother’s routine put her into a tailspin.  My mother is a strong woman and a diligent worker.  However, she had not worked outside of the home in years.  After I went to college, my mom felt she wanted to get back out into the paying workforce.    

Even though my mom did not like routine, she did have her daily routine.  She was a tireless worker.  What I know now about my mom is that she did all her home duties before we got up and after we arrived home from our daily adventures.  She had the ability to make it look like she was on vacation, but most of us reading this know that taking care of children is a full-time job!  

Even though my mom was working the same amount of hours outside the home as she was when taking care of us kids, she was not as productive because she was out of her normal routine.

My mom worked like a machine that never stopped, but when her routine was changed and she had to follow a strict schedule she was not as productive at home and was stressed out.  She thrived on the freedom of figuring out her own agenda, she never liked to use the word schedule.  She was comfortable in her own routine.    

She was working the same amount of hours on her feet, but she was out of her routine and element.  Dinners were not as perfect, things at home were not as organized as usual, and in general, she was not as fun at home.  My mom, who is a very fun person, was out of her routine and had trouble adjusting to a different schedule.  She was not working harder or longer, it was just different work.  Half of her day was now out of her control.  

My mom was fortunate in that our family was not dependent on her wages, we always lived within our means of one income.  After feeling stressed working outside the home for a few years, she was able to return to her original position as a homemaker.  We were all happy when she decided to end her time working outside the home!

My mom realized that she enjoyed managing her own routine.  As soon as she realized her and her family’s lives were not thriving with her new career choice she made a change that was good for both her and her family.  New opportunities opened up for her in the area of athletics.  She became an avid biker and roller skater.  She rode her last week-long ride two days before her 80th birthday.  My mom relied on her faith to help her find her next journey.  When the path she entered was not right for her, she was then led to a path that created years of healthy and happy adventures.  

Whether you are changing your routine or your routine has been changed for you, take a deep breath, relax, and allow yourself some time to find a new routine. I try to release myself of any thoughts of how the event or day should go and I work at allowing events to unfold by faith.  I let go of control which allows me the opportunity to succeed in the new experience.  Once I know what is required of me, I then create a routine that promotes and enhances my chance of success.  

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