I enjoyed this, much like I enjoy a plain croissant. But I would argue that (as you yourself point out), we have a certain need for SOME stability in our lives. So it makes sense that when we are doing something inherently challenging and different, like living in another culture, that we would seek to conserve energy where possible, which means establishing some routines. I would venture to say that this only becomes a problem once the boredom of excessive familiarity starts to set in again. Does that make sense?
Totally agree, and that ‘boredom of excessive familiarity’ has likely set in for me, as I’m currently on month #6 of living in the same place — the longest I’ve spent in any one place in the past five years. That said, being acknowledged as “a regular” does feel nice — it provides a sense of belonging that I often lack with my transient lifestyle. Craving novelty vs. craving that familiar (but buttery, perfectly flaky, tried and true) plain croissant is a fine line!
Personally, I find being identified as a regular one of life’s most satisfying experiences, so I sure wouldn’t knock it. Also: who knows whether they will have really good croissants where you’ll be next? Here in Lisbon, they’re damn hard to find. So eat ‘em while you can!
Emily, thank you for this. It made me smile! I also pride myself as being someone who prefers to live outside her comfort zone and likes to challenge herself in every way possible. But then I am also the one that has the most rigid morning routine where every step is happening at the exact same time every day. I've learned that I like balance. I like my rigid morning routine where I don't have to think about when to do what. But once those steps are accomplished, I like my days to flow naturally.
I love what you said about creating routines that can be applied in any country. I’m going to reflect on that. One of my creature comforts is a cappuccino, paired with…a plain croissant! Bonus points if it’s of the French variety, flakey and buttery.
Eating a buttery, flakey croissant while sitting at a cafe and getting to watch a city wake up is one of the best forms of cultural immersion, in my opinion.
Having had a sneak preview of this a while back I was enjoying it all over again, but mostly so curious how you would choose to finish the story. Gotta say, you nailed it. You surprised yourself and us at the same time. Well done.
Lots to think about here, Emily. Your piece reminds me of some excellent advice in Mick Mohoney and Kevin Chesters’ The Creative Nudge: “If you know what you’re doing, stop doing it.” But it seems to me that your way of living in different countries and cities is the perfect way to stay out of the comfort zone and allow your creative faculties to grow. Also, I love the surprise ending. That worked out so well!
Ha! Saw myself in this post - my typical order is a cappuccino and a chocolate croissant. Maybe we swap?! But on a real note, I have found when I travel that keeping some parts of my “routine” whether it’s just waking up or eating breakfast at the same time, makes me feel more at ease and able to enjoy myself more. But! In my day to day life currently, I’m trying to do more novel things, even if it’s just to order something new :)
This was super interesting! And I could relate to it a lot, as I’ve found myself before on that thin line between habits turning into complacency and too much comfort. Time to switch the flavor of that croissant! :))
I enjoyed this, much like I enjoy a plain croissant. But I would argue that (as you yourself point out), we have a certain need for SOME stability in our lives. So it makes sense that when we are doing something inherently challenging and different, like living in another culture, that we would seek to conserve energy where possible, which means establishing some routines. I would venture to say that this only becomes a problem once the boredom of excessive familiarity starts to set in again. Does that make sense?
Totally agree, and that ‘boredom of excessive familiarity’ has likely set in for me, as I’m currently on month #6 of living in the same place — the longest I’ve spent in any one place in the past five years. That said, being acknowledged as “a regular” does feel nice — it provides a sense of belonging that I often lack with my transient lifestyle. Craving novelty vs. craving that familiar (but buttery, perfectly flaky, tried and true) plain croissant is a fine line!
Personally, I find being identified as a regular one of life’s most satisfying experiences, so I sure wouldn’t knock it. Also: who knows whether they will have really good croissants where you’ll be next? Here in Lisbon, they’re damn hard to find. So eat ‘em while you can!
What a fun reflection - I love the ending!
Emily, thank you for this. It made me smile! I also pride myself as being someone who prefers to live outside her comfort zone and likes to challenge herself in every way possible. But then I am also the one that has the most rigid morning routine where every step is happening at the exact same time every day. I've learned that I like balance. I like my rigid morning routine where I don't have to think about when to do what. But once those steps are accomplished, I like my days to flow naturally.
I love what you said about creating routines that can be applied in any country. I’m going to reflect on that. One of my creature comforts is a cappuccino, paired with…a plain croissant! Bonus points if it’s of the French variety, flakey and buttery.
Eating a buttery, flakey croissant while sitting at a cafe and getting to watch a city wake up is one of the best forms of cultural immersion, in my opinion.
Having had a sneak preview of this a while back I was enjoying it all over again, but mostly so curious how you would choose to finish the story. Gotta say, you nailed it. You surprised yourself and us at the same time. Well done.
Sometimes the perfect ending falls right into your lap. Knew there was a reason I decided to hold off publishing this one at first! Thanks Rick 🙂
Lots to think about here, Emily. Your piece reminds me of some excellent advice in Mick Mohoney and Kevin Chesters’ The Creative Nudge: “If you know what you’re doing, stop doing it.” But it seems to me that your way of living in different countries and cities is the perfect way to stay out of the comfort zone and allow your creative faculties to grow. Also, I love the surprise ending. That worked out so well!
Ha! Saw myself in this post - my typical order is a cappuccino and a chocolate croissant. Maybe we swap?! But on a real note, I have found when I travel that keeping some parts of my “routine” whether it’s just waking up or eating breakfast at the same time, makes me feel more at ease and able to enjoy myself more. But! In my day to day life currently, I’m trying to do more novel things, even if it’s just to order something new :)
This was super interesting! And I could relate to it a lot, as I’ve found myself before on that thin line between habits turning into complacency and too much comfort. Time to switch the flavor of that croissant! :))