Ritual Over Routine

Growing Pains #49: On why knowing the difference is the sharpest tool in your kit.

Routines are the threads that keep our seams sealed. When we step out of them, the fibers split, the garment loses its form, fails to function-as-intended. When we sleep through our alarms, neglect to brush our hair, forget to feed ourselves breakfast—we aren’t setting ourselves up for failure. We’re failing to set ourselves up at all.

Routines are essential to our existence, fundamental to our function.

If routines are sewn into our days, rituals are embroidered. They’re intentional, beautiful, French and bullion knots carefully stitched, threads meticulously placed, colors fastidiously chosen.

A life well-adorned is an existence enjoyed deeply.