Routines, Remembrances, and the Subconscious Mind: Daily Life's Hidden Narratives

Have you ever found yourself staring at the calendar, wondering what you did specifically on a particular weekday just a short while ago? It's been a month since my routine became consistently structured, with every Monday starting at 6 AM, making breakfast, coming home at 2:15 PM, napping until mid-afternoon, and preparing dinner by 6 PM. Routine can be comforting and habitual, but it also means we often don't fully remember every small detail of our daily lives. However, when something out of the ordinary catches our attention, it can force us to recall even the most mundane routines.

A Change from the Old

Let's consider a significant change to this routine. Perhaps it's a different way of making breakfast or a new job. Such changes can make us more mindful and encourage recollection. But when things go about their usual course, we don't often notice or remember. One such day, a friend posted a Monday Quality Assurance (QA) video on YouTube named "Fractal Design Challenge" which made me pause and recall a day that was as ordinary as the rest.

An Unforgettable Monday

Remembering a typical day, I thought, "No, I can't have done anything out of the ordinary." But then I realized, I did. It was a regular morning: waking up, having a cup of coffee and toast for breakfast, and doing dishes. That's when my youngest son burst in with a stray cat, freshly cleaned. The cat wasn't a pet for me, but something about my son's concern and the animal's sweet disposition won me over. I tried to help the cat by calling the Humane Society, but it was to no avail. The numbers were disconnected, and the nearest town no longer had one. So, I did the best I could by arranging a doctor’s appointment, tending to the garden, and eventually preparing a simple yet satisfying dinner of chicken fingers.

The Power of Subconscious Mind

Often, we're not consciously aware of how many tasks we accomplish daily because they become part of our subconscious routine. Activities like making coffee, doing dishes, or tending to houseplants are so ingrained that we don't give much thought to them. However, it's these daily routines that shape our lives in countless ways. They're what we remember because they have become a part of our identity, much like the duty to show up at work or the desire to take care of our loved ones.

The Importance of Recollection

Recollection isn't just a matter of memory; it's an act of self-awareness. It helps us appreciate the simplicity and structure of our daily lives. When we take a moment to remember, we not only feel a sense of accomplishment but also a deeper connection to our past and the people and moments that contribute to our current lives.

A Final Thought

Recalling past moments, especially those like an ordinary day with a stray cat, serves as a reminder of the importance of routines in our lives. It's in the small details—like a single cup of coffee or the decision to take in a stray—that we can find meaning. And while large, life-changing events certainly shape our experiences, the ordinary days that make up the majority of our lives are no less significant. Remembering them can help us appreciate the beauty in the small, everyday moments.

Thank you for reminding me of these past moments. I hope you too find joy in the simplicity and beauty of your daily routines.