Published by

Sheila

Flowers in summer
Bright colors fading to brown 
The bees disappear

My youngest daughter returns to college this week. It has been wonderful to have her home all summer. She is excited to get back to a routine again. She functions better within the structure of routine.

I, on the other hand, do better without a rigid routine. I need an open schedule to accommodate the fluctuating symptoms of my chronic illnesses. The unpredictability of them demands that I am flexible with the expectations I have of myself and my abilities from day to day.

Do you function better with or without a set routine?

8 responses to “A Goodbye”

Michael Williams

August 14, 2024

i have a very general and flexible routine. i think my functioning would be compromised without it. beautiful photo! Mike

LikeLiked by 2 people

Reply
1. Sheila
  
  August 14, 2024
  
  Thanks, Mike!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
Janet

August 18, 2024

Hi Sheila. I remember the days of sending the kids back to school, especially our last one. It wasn’t easy. I definitely do better with a routine, or like the commenter above said, “a flexible routine.” Did you write the haiku? Nice photo.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. Sheila
  
  October 26, 2024
  
  Hi, Janet. Somehow I missed your comment back in Aug. I am so sorry about that! I did write the haiku. I am still missing my girl. I will see her next on Thanksgiving. I am so thankful she goes to school close enough to easily come home for the holidays.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
Rupali

August 21, 2024

I like to set routine in general.

LikeLiked by 2 people

Reply
The Mindful Migraine Blog

August 30, 2024

I like a hybrid arrangement – routines help me function with my chronic illness, but I have to be flexible enough to know when to let go. Hope your daughter enjoys next semester of college! L xx

LikeLiked by 2 people

Reply
1. Sheila
  
  August 31, 2024
  
  Thanks, Linda. She will eventually. The transition back is tough for all of us. We miss one another. 💖
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  
  Reply
  1. The Mindful Migraine Blog
    
    August 31, 2024
    
    My two are still at home for another two years of high school…it must be hard… but it also means you’re doing your job right raising independent young adults! ❤️
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people