Wednesday 16 April 2008

Wildly Routine Wednesday

I usually suggest doing new or unexpected things here on my Wild Wednesdays, but today it's a different kind of wild. And it's not something you can do overnight - it takes time and regularity.

It all came to me when I picked up my Vietnamese takeaway, which has become a kind of routine for me once a week after an intense swim squad and gym session. I almost always order the same food - although it does vary from time to time, and when I call to order they usually pick up that it's me and I can hear them smile as they take my order. They now know my name when I go in, and are friendly and engaging - much more than they were when I had first started in this routine. There are other places I go to quite routinely, gym, bank, bakery etc, and over time I have come to know the people in these places and it becomes kind of like family wherever I go. I know it's not quite the same, but it's great to have people who are warm and engaging and with whom you have some kind of history (even if it isn't always the most complex). And as I sit at diggies and order the breakfast they don't have on the menu anymore, but make it for me because they can, I guess I feel a part of something, a connection with the world around me; and it's nice, and I like it, and it warms me.

So as I walked out the door holding my rice paper rolls and combination vermicelli I felt kind of warm despite the chilled night air. And I thought maybe rather than encourage doing different things this week, I'd encourage some degree of regularity that helps connect you to your world. To find and develop people and places that you encounter regularly and create some kind of bond, however close you want it to be. Because life is about people, and there are all kinds of ways to connect with them, but mostly it takes time, and a little bit of effort, oh and a smile of course.

6 comments:

Gabriel said...

that was a brill post. thanks, it really made my day :)

Speeding Bullett said...

I know that feeling well doc, recently I have noticed at our accountants, the lady on reception is very ‘short’ with people. I mentioned this to the lady in the office who looks after our payroll and she said she has always been like it. She has been there since she was 16 and she is now in her 50's. So I took it upon myself to be extra nice to her and BINGO the other day she answered the phone in her normal manner and without asking my name she knew who I was and was pleasant with me!! What a good feeling that gave me plus when I mentioned it to the other lady she nearly feel off her chair.

Sh@ney said...

It just goes to show how effortlessly 'kindness' can be given out & received, and the impact it can have on your day. I always hope (no matter where I am) for friendly service, so that I can return & maybe even get to know them on a sub-personal level.

This is a great post and it does make you feel good.

Sh@ney said...

Just one more thing, how do I get to know that fine looking gent sitting there on the jetty?

Superchilled said...

gabriel: thanks! Glad it made your day.

speeding bullet: I love it when you can defy expectation... There's a clerk on one ward I used to work on and still see patients in from time to time - and she is the most resilient person I know - NEVER HAPPY - in all my years I haven't EVER got a smile out of her, EVER.

sh@ney: thanks, and I think if you go to that lake with the jetty, you know the one, with the sand, and the water and stuff, he's there, just waiting, eagerly...

Sh@ney said...

Yer so am I, for something that aint never going to happen...lol