Habits, the daily stuff of life that most of us don’t think about and which make us socially acceptable people, such as daily showers and teeth brushing, are good things. The other habits, the ones that become a part of who we are and set us apart, are a little harder to come by. They’re often contingent on our surroundings and require a certain amount of self discipline.
Most of my habits changed when this truck showed up at my home last week and moved my life to another state.
I did, however, bring three of them with me. Well, maybe four, depending upon how you define habit.
In February I started walking at least five miles a day. That’s a minimum of about 10,000 steps, all monitored with a device called a Fitbit. My dog has benefited greatly and so has my peace of mind. Not only does it provide time to be outside breathing in the fresh air but it’s also a chance to catch up on NPR segments, listen to music, or just think without the distractions of home. In Louisiana my walks were almost always outside. Here in Nebraska I have a feeling many of them will be here….
The second habit I’ve moved with me is my Instagram postings. When I bought an iPhone several years ago I made a promise to myself to post an Instagram a day when possible. That has now become an ingrained part of my day as I look, observe and gather images and then select and edit my favorite that night. Some days are easier than others. Occasionally I’ll post several if I can’t choose my favorite. Yesterday I only managed to take one shot.
I’ve posted 980 Instagrams. That particular habit has helped me rediscover the world I walk through each day.
These are the Instagrams I’ve posted since I left Louisiana a week ago:
My third habit is this blog. I’m a day late this week because I was waiting for our internet to get hooked up but I’ve participated in the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge each and every week since the first of January. No internet yet, but one of my new neighbors has been kind enough to let me sit in her blessedly box free living room and post this.
And that fourth habit? It’s one I’ve had for a very, very long time and probably the best habit I have….my husband of 36 years is also here in Nebraska with me. He is and always will be, the most consistent “habit” in my life!
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