When Those Ruts in the Road = Complacency

It’s only human to get into a routine, finding that smooth rut in the road where the wheels have always gone.  In fact, this is often a good state, especially in early recovey. Why? Because wanting “action” – having that restless feeling that you have to be doing something exciting – sometimes got us into a lot of trouble in the past.

But I know I run the risk of getting to used to that rut in the road until it starts to make me feel a little complacent, not so proactive. I’m just sort of swimming along.  I know that if I keep it up too long, I’ll get bored and maybe complacent.

My solution is to learn something new – right now I’m considering these professional cooking classes. OK, not exactly party-down fun, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to try but have not lately because my rut is so comfortable.

I typically go through these phases where I feel like I’m coasting, then I start to feel anxious. Is this my life? A little dramatic, but that’s me (and I’m sure a few people out there can relate).  Not long ago I made a spontaneous decision to go to Paris. From the day I decided to the day I was there?  Less than 2 weeks.

That kind of gave me a little spark – I didn’t have to plan it to death and I didn’t start making excuses: oh I have so many things to do, and I really should… I just went. I talked my sister and a friend into joining. It was just a great feeling of freedom to “just do it!”

The trip reinvigorated me (not to mention the pastries and steak frites) and I realized I hadn’t really done something spontaneous in a while.

For me, complacency is a natural cousin of that rut in the road. It’s important that I regularly find something new to learn or a new place to go.  It keeps my heart and mind alive and thriving and reminds me again and again that life is so much better sober because I can execute these decisions in a way I never could when I was drinking.