Getting to Know Myself Outside of a Routine

Written By : Jacqueline Rappa

For the longest time, I considered myself Type A. My day wouldn’t go as planned if I didn’t wake up and immediately work out, have breakfast at a certain time, read a chapter of my book, and journal.

For the period of life I was in, this stability worked. It gave me purpose, direction, and motivation. But after a while, constantly monitoring and optimizing yourself becomes uninspiring.

Right now, I’m basically living the complete opposite. I’ve realized I may like who I am better when I force myself to be more Type B.

I did the most unlike-me thing ever: I left my job and enrolled in a language course in Rome for two months. I had anxiety leading up to my departure date, worrying about all that I would leave behind and the familiarity of my everyday life.

But I’m on week two, and I’ve never felt more free. I feel like I’m “dating” myself. Nourishing my body with what it wants instead of what I think it needs. I may trade my eight hours of sleep each night for drinks with new friends, but it’s truly what’s filling my cup.

I’m learning more about who I am outside of the routine I had during undergrad and while working. I’m in a new country without anyone I know, and the fear has gone away. Navigating unfamiliar situations only encourages me to continue to do it more.

Although I still have the structure of my classes, I’m immersed most of the day in art, new faces, amazing food, and a feeling of independence I’ve never known.

So, I encourage anyone reading this to take that risk. Do what you’ve always wanted to do. There will never be a perfect time to do something, and I think that’s where you find the beauty in it all.

I feel grounded in myself, knowing I have the ability to shape my reality.