Life, Death, and Routine

Routine is typically something we love or we despise. It may depend on the phase of life we’re in, how we’re wired, or maybe it depends on what area of our lives the routine is part of. Riding for me is never routine. I change my mind all along the ride as I go, rarely having a route or time frame planned at all. It’s just about enjoying the ride. Hubby and I have had a few rides together recently which has been awesome as well. I found when he was leading I had mixed feelings not knowing where we were going yet feeling great that we were together and that he was leading the way. Where he leads, I will follow! Being able to ride together is a very special feeling and fills a place in my heart that I can’t explain and definitely is not routine.

I recently rearranged my living room for a change I thought I wanted, but have since moved it back the way it was because it messed up my morning routine. I had gotten into the routine of sitting on the couch first thing in the early morning hours while I drank my coffee so that I could quietly watch the birds through the window. Hummingbirds, cardinals, mourning doves, wrens, sparrows, mockingbirds and many others frequent the feeders and I love to watch them along with the bunnies that are often running around. When I rearranged the furniture I could no longer do that and realized how important that routine had become to me, so now it’s back. 🤗

Our lives can easily become methodical if we allow them to, but those spur of the moment changes, like the rides I get to take with hubby, are moments I’ll always cherish. I truly believe it’s important to seize any opportunities we get for a meaningful change in our daily grind, especially with those we love. Dealing with life’s typical demands and expectations can become mundane. The only guarantee we have in life is that one day we will all die. What we choose to do in the mean time is up to us.

I was thinking about death while riding yesterday and how it affects us all differently. I lost my sweet Bella, a white German Shepherd, this week and I guess probably that’s why I was thinking about death and it’s affect on us. Growing up with all of the animals we had throughout the years, dying just seemed to be a part of living. I’m thankful that mom and dad taught us about that yet didn’t let us dwell on it. Don’t get me wrong, I cried when I found her and when I then told my hubby. He was upset too I’m sure, but he buried her for me even though I told him I’d do it. I miss her, especially when I go out to the pen to let my other dog out and to take care of him, but I choose to remember our walks and her happy calm personality, not her death.

Sometimes it seems we can become so overwhelmed, consumed, and focused on death that we almost forget to live. In my opinion, when someone dies we should have a celebration of their life, not a sad and mournful service. As much as I miss my dad, my nephew, and other loved ones and friends who have died, I am also thankful for the wonderful memories of their lives and the time spent with them. I realize everyone grieves differently and there is no time limit on grief. Some days are better than others, but we have to ask ourselves when we’re grieving if that’s what the person we’re grieving would want for us. When I die I hope people will remember happy thoughts, favorite memories, and that in some way I may have made a difference. I don’t want anyone to be sad and mourn my passing for I’ll be in a much better place!

There’s a song that Rend Collective sings, Counting Every Blessing, and the lyrics are a good summary of how I feel. I am truly blessed beyond all measure. I will include the lyrics at the end and you can find it sung on YouTube.

Routines, like grief, have their place, we just need to not become so driven by either that we miss out on living. We only get one chance at this life so we need to make the best of it. The past is gone and the future holds no guarantees, so live today like there’s no tomorrow. On that note it’s time to go get the groceries while the fog burns off so I can ride later knowing the shopping is already done. Live life to the fullest every day and don’t become a prisoner to routine, regret and grief.

Counting Every Blessing-