How do you “arrange” your day? Do you have a routine? Do you have an “early morning” mood? An Italian expression talks about “getting out of bed with the left foot,” meaning in a bad mood. Ask yourself if the mood you get up in might define what kind of a day you will have.
Can a routine help? It might. When you follow a precise pattern of behavior every morning, and possibly throughout the whole day, it could seem boring and repetitive to some, but for you it may be utterly positive. It gives you a sense of security, you feel that you are doing what you are supposed to do and that your are doing it well. You “know” how to perform your duties, how to carry out your tasks because you never embark in new, unpredictable behaviors.
You like to go to work always following the usual route, you have a favorite restaurant, a well defined type of entertainment, the same old friends et cetera. Your convictions never change, you are totally set in a precise way of living, your thinking never provides any surprises. Even the way you express yourself is the same to such an extent that your relatives and friends can usually expect what you are going to say or how you are going to react next.
On the other hand, there are others who don’t like to be methodical at all, who don’t appreciate a routinely unfolding life. They prefer to change their ways, decide something on a whim, they don’t like to plan. They believe that this kind of life is more exciting, always new and unpredictable. Besides, they are open to new ideas, they don’t mind listening to those who express opinions different, even opposite, to theirs. They feel that life is a learning experience, that each step can lead them in a different direction. And they don’t mind at all. On the contrary.
What could the deep beliefs that create such different personalities be? I think that the first type needs routine and repetition because they feel that only these can provide them with “stability.” Knowing what and how they will proceed during every single day gives them a sense of consistency, of security. They might even feel a little afraid of change because they have never brought themselves (maybe they have never been encouraged) to face the unknown. In their lives, situations keep repeating themselves according to the same pattern.
The adventurous types, on the other hand, have the tendency to prefer the new, they believe they are able to face any uncertainty, they like to be surprised and challenged. Among these you find the climber who dares to try the hardest peaks, the pilot whose job is to test new engines, the explorer, any avant-garde artist or educator. Among these are scientists who have the courage to face the ridicule with their new theories, writers, thinkers or speakers who are not afraid of putting new, sometimes revolutionary ideas into words.
These are extreme cases of people who do not resign themselves to a routine-led life. But also regular people like you and me could be a little more daring, could try to step out of the well defined path of their lives and accept some change — every now and then.
In conclusion, is there a “best” way to lead each of your days and, consequently, your whole life? Well, it depends on “what” and “who” you are.
The ancient Romans used to say “In medio stat virtus” (the virtue, the good thing lies in the middle). Meaning? Be cautious but, every now and then, dare to try something new. Enjoy your adventures, but don’t be careless.
Simple common sense, do you agree? A little spice in your life, but — maybe — not too much. I have friends who can eat the hottest peppers with a smile. I, personally, can only enjoy a mild one. If I ever tried something hotter, I would certainly choke!
— Elsa Franco Al Ghaslan, a Saudi English instructor and published author (in Italy), is a long-time scholar of positive thinking.
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