// you’re reading...

filed in Daily Life

Breaking the Habit

Ella Frances Sanders

Illustration by Ella Frances Sanders

Discussion

14 comments for “Breaking the Habit”

  1. Anne Roy says:

    Excellent suggestion … so many of us walk about repeating the same things over & over & over … many if … quick! close your eyes! arms out to your sides! Now tell us, what are you wearing? What colour are the spring blossoms on the tree you walked past to get into this room?

    sigh … so discouraging …

    • wendy says:

      Abraham Joshua Heschel, who was a world-renowned Rabbi, writer, philosopher and thinker, used the phrase, “radical amazement,” as a reminder to awaken to the daily miracles in our lives. I try to remember this at least once every day.

  2. Lola says:

    This is a great reminder. I definitely do things out of habit and I’m working hard to change that…

    • wendy says:

      If you feel like sharing, Lola, what’s one you’re trying to change?

      • Lola says:

        Well this sounds a bit silly…but leaving dishes in the sink. I let them pile up. I’ll rinse them so as not to be quite so bad, but I really want to break the habit of just leaving them in there for days! When I do keep a clean, clutter-free kitchen I feel so much better walking into my apartment after a long day at work, and getting started right away to cook myself something comforting. When my sink has dishes in it, I’m more tempted to just get takeout or pop something in the microwave. This is why I like the idea of “living with intent”. Its not just the dishes…its that when I do one thing that I’m a proud of (keeping a clean kitchen), I’m willing to take the next steps to take wonderful care of myself (cook myself something with love). Silly I know!

        • wendy says:

          I applaud you for this, Lola. It’s the little things that can sometimes make the biggest difference. You go!

        • jules says:

          Not silly at all, Lola. This is how small change leads to more change. Also, any change is hard even when the payoff is good. I applaud you taking care of yourself. My change is going to bed earlier. This makes a huge difference in my next day and it’s very hard for me. So with your inspiration I’m starting tonight.

  3. Stacey says:

    I really needed to see this today. Thanks for sharing it!

Leave a Reply