The Safety and the Trap of Routines

by Cowboy Bob Sorensen 

When I first heard about a comfort zone, I thought it meant being comfortable. Later I learned that even discomfort can be part of a comfort zone — which seems almost counterintuitive. A comfort zone is what one is familiar with for safety.

Routines can be important in difficult times, such as after my wife Charlene suddenly died. Not only was I in shock from that, but also recovering from open-heart surgery. I need consistency in my life. Routines made things possible, such as going to work in the morning. 

Looking down on Rosendale Trestle from Joppenbergh Mountain, Unsplash / Cowboy Bob Sorensen

The workday routine involved setting out the next day's clothes, having lunch made and in the 'fridge, a container with medications and supplements, breakfast dishes set out, and all that good stuff. Very helpful during my bad time, but also when running on autopilot from being very tired.

There are others, such as what television show I am going to watch (Friday is a Star Trek night). Being aware that comfort zones can become confining, I mix things up a bit. That's helpful. Insistence on routines can be troubling. Indeed, getting rigid about keeping to them can be a trap.

Going out adventuring and taking pictures is a break from my routines. Some of those hikes are a challenge, such as the climb up the slope to get that picture (above). It was not all that far, but I had to stop and catch my breath now and then. Also, being alone and in my mid-sixties, I could not be careless. Didn't see any bears (there was a warning about them) but on the way down I saw a deer.

Still, I have several routines that I follow, and they are comfort zones. It was time for a change. I did something that was radical for me. It cost some money, which was the opposite of my efforts at frugality because of upcoming retirement and working fewer hours.

It was at a lodge by a small lake contained in that property, and several recreational activities are available. There are details that I may write about in a subsequent article, but this adventure had several things for me to consider:

• A place I have never been
• My knowledge was only from their website
• About two hours' drive one way
• Renting a room there was much cheaper than motels in the area
• Bring your own everything, including food and linens
• There will be people there, and I am a loner much of the time

A slogan from the Second World War is mostly forgotten: "Is this trip really necessary?" It was an effort to encourage civilians to be frugal so resources were available for the war effort. (You may see a cartoon with Bugs Bunny holding up a sign with the slogan being used in a humorous way.) The phrase came to mind during my preparations.

Even though I try to be frugal, my answer was yes, this trip is necessary. I need to have a major break from my confining comfort zone for a spell. Walking and hiking trips for a few hours are what I call nature therapy, and this would qualify. The car gets good gas mileage and is reliable. Items I purchased that I didn't use were not going to be wasted. Also, this was not impulsive; I planned and prayed about it.

The weather was gorgeous. People were friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed. Much of my accumulated stress faded away. I even did a bit of swimming for the first time in over twenty-five years. Did some Bible and other reading on my ebook device. I didn't sleep well that night. The next day, bad weather was expected, so I left in the morning.

I could buy a season's membership at the lodge for a few hundred dollars. That way, I could grab my propane stove and take the long drive for a swim, supper, or whatever on nice days... No. Too expensive, too far. But I'm glad I went. I'm able to step out of my comfort zone.

Mayhaps this will be useful for some people. As a senior citizen widower living alone, I have to do safe things. Routines are very useful, but do not let them trap you. Do something different once in a while, it's good for mental health. You'll thank me later.