Routine—I’ve had one all of my adult life.

As a camp director, I knew breakfast was at 8:30, activities began at 10:00 and campfire happened at 9:00—every night.

My college classes began at 7:30, lunch at 11:30 (12:00 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays), then a nap, grading most of the afternoon, class at 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, and in bed every night by 10:00. Always.

I miss that. In preretirement I dreamed of unstructured days where the sun and desire would direct me into a nirvana of creativity and contentment.

It’s not happening.

I’m learning that no structure is as bad as too much structure. Important things get sacrificed for the urgent—or fun—both are unacceptable.

I think I can manage a compromise—routine that allows for spontaneity and surprise, freedom with a place for the important.

Will let you know.