It’s been said that routine brings security and comfort to a grand majority.

It may seem that way when you’re far from home for more than two weeks or when you leave habits behind. Certain people that once were in your life and the simple things that once seemed so insignificant begin to pop in your mind as you’re walking down an unfamiliar street.

Soon enough, you find yourself missing your mother’s voice telling you to clean up your messy bedroom, daddy’s image on the couch endlessly flipping through TV channels, the neighbor’s annoying dog that woke you from a great dream, the empty fridge that blinded you at 3 a.m., and even the squeaky ceiling fan on a very hot summer day.

Feeling a sense of security and comfort isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but let me be honest, when it comes to boring routine, it drives me crazy, to say the least. Perhaps my creative mentality and adventurous personality simply does not allow my mind and my heart to stay put.

Every so often, I feel stuck in some kind of mental and emotional rut… I begin to crave change and excitement which may lead to impulsive decisions and sometimes regret. My tendency to easily fall in love really plays a leading role in the numerous heartbreaks I’ve felt.

Of course, I can always come back to my bed and cry it out, “the old routine”, but why not rip off this security blanket and get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable?

These days I find myself waking up at the same hour to the same silly tune on my phone, hitting the snooze button with my pinky, yawning and stretching my limbs on my bed every morning, waiting “just a few more minutes” to get up and get ready for work or school.

I literally consume the same sad peanut butter sandwich with coffee every morning and some kind of salad for lunch, as if I was on a strict diet, but I’m really not. Not to mention, saying “welcome!” at work to every soul that walks in, I swear I’d be rich if I got a dollar for every time I greeted a customer.

Recently, I’ve been doubting myself a lot. Who am I and why am I here? On earth, that is. Do you ever wonder? If you’re stuck in a slump, do not fret because I am in one too, but let it be known that I am not here to profoundly help you in any way.

Perhaps these words will encourage you a tad considering I’ve been through this about a hundred times. “When you’re in a slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done” says Dr. Seuss.

It’s a process. I recommend writing your feelings out on paper, even a napkin, whatever’s convenient.  Dig deep and figure out why you’re feeling the way you do, and take things slow, as quoted above in that song.

When feelings begin to overwhelm you it’s usually due to one’s departure of “the comfort zone”. Remember what I mentioned before, comfort and security isn’t necessarily a bad thing but do you really want to drive yourself mad? Personally, I believe it is far better to feel a whole lot and find life to be a thrill rather than to live so comfortably and numb on a daily basis.

Try new things and think “everyday I’m growing old and we’re all going to die someday”, quite pessimistic, I know, but it’s also quite realistic. Do not run away from change which is truly the equivalent to learning opportunities.

You’ll find beauty within, I’m sure, if you embrace your dreams and turn a boring routine-like life into one that’s full of passion.