Oh Joy

I haven't blogged for some time. I have been bogged down in the mediocrity that I call the work-home-sleep-work routine. It's a short and simple routine, easy to accomplish, and I know if I let it, it will take the next 35 years of my life.

Like Parent Hacks and Life Hacks love to make you believe, apparently there are tips - means, ways, tricks - about this business of living mundanity. Ways, like microwaves and washing machines, attempt to shorten the time it takes to go through the work-home-sleep-work routine.

It's still 24 hours all the same, no matter whether you choose Life, choose a television or choose a washing machine.

I try to be happy. But sometimes, there is very little joy in having to decide what to cook for dinner every day, waking up at exactly the same time every morning, leaving for work at precisely 7.53am in the morning and coming home when the sunlight falls dim in the horizon.

Over the course of this dreary mind-numbness we call the yuppy life, I've realised what it takes to make me smile.

1. Do one thing different every day just for the heck of it. And it has to be obvious. If you take the bus to work, cycle. If you cycle, walk. If you walk, take the bus and talk to somebody on the way to work. Something, anything, to break the cycle that makes you forget your days.
2. See a dog smile. OK, this might be hard for those of you who don't have dogs. But try and make a random passing animal very happy and see what that does for you. Note: animals include humans if you find it hard to be kind to a stray.
3. Take a walk outside for 15 minutes on your own. Say nothing to yourself or anyone, even though you may have many thoughts in your head. Walk slowly. Enjoy and savour each step, each moment as the scenery on either side flick by you little by little with each passing step. Listen to the sound of your feet on the asphalt. If you like the beat faster, try jogging. If you can, try doing this around the time when the sun is either setting or rising. The result is a curious epiphany, filled with the realization of your place in the world, however big or small, and a sense of purpose about breathing and living.

I used to laugh about the vague poetry in taking in the weather, fresh air and surroundings. I suppose it must be part of living life here that suddenly, a great connection to the great outdoors wells up in some hitherto unknown part of this city girl. Suddenly there's no greater joy than to sit or walk with a loved one outside in the cool air, taking in the sunset and smiling friendly faces at passers-by.

The challenge as always, is keeping up the passion for life and everyone, keeping the romance breathing and living. It's all to easy to sink into the sofa, stay silent for two hours and hear only the occassional laughter to "Friends".