“You are a born organiser” my Mum would often say. And yes I am.
I love my routines, I enjoy the safety of predictability and I plan and prepare for everything.
In fact I became so proficient at organising my everyday, I all but switched to autopilot and became a passenger in my own life.
My senses were dulled as I marked off time and activities, robbing myself of many everyday delights.
I was busy, not creative.
I was overwhelmed, not challenged.
I was exhausted, not inspired.
I was existing, not living.
And I finally decided to make a change……. and another and another.
Years on, and many little (and some not so little) changes have resulted in this year feeling wildly different.
Today, as I walked home from dropping the kids at their new school, I turned the corner in my street and everything looked amazing.
The street I have lived on for 17 years.
The street in the suburb I grew up in.
The street I am so familiar with I often cannot recall walking home along it.
Today I rounded the corner and I experienced my street as if for the first time.
I could smell the grit of the earth as the morning sun evaporated the dew on the grass.
I saw neat rows of flowers, planted to create unique patterns in my neighbour’s garden.
I heard the hungry cry of the newborn babe next door and paused to imagine the new Mumma rocking him to sleep.
Today my pupils are dilated, the volume is up and I am absorbing the vibrations of the world.
Like a traveller, I am journeying outside my comfort zone and my senses are switched on.
I have been awoken from the ‘familiar slumber’ I was existing in.
I have no routine for this year, everyday feels new
The kids are at a new school.
We have sold our business of 20+ years and are establishing new and exciting ventures.
We even took a two-week holiday without a destination or any accommodation booked.
And yesterday I drove across town to spend my day at the Co Work Collective. In a new environment, working alongside other creative entrepreneurs I do not know…. yet.
The lull of routine and schedules has been removed and I am awake.
Wide awake………
The beauty in my everyday environment has been amplified.
I am seeing and feeling like never before.
It is amazing.
So instead of feeling stuck within your busy life?
Your joy dulled by the monotony of routine.
Failing to notice the beauty that exists in your own backyard.
Make a change.
Set an intention.
Take that first small step.
Then another and another.
Switch off the autopilot.
Heighten your senses.
Enjoy the ride.
This is YOUR one great life and it is up to YOU to lead it fabulously.

Good for you, Karen! I think we all need that reminder to switch off the auto-pilot and stop and smell the roses!