I spread my wings and soar.

I try to avoid getting into ruts. By changing my rituals. Alternating the way I do things. And often I am reminded that I am in a rut. Because I observe other people in ruts. And I tell them so. But then I suddently realize I'm making the same mistake they make. By developing a routine. Doing the same stuff over and over and over again. For instance, when I'm at home in Minnesota, I tend to eat my meals at a lunch counter. In my kitchen. But in the past year, I've consciously moved into the dining room, at a table by a big picture window that looks out directly on a lake. It's much nicer being there than in the kitchen. When the warmer weather arrives this spring or summer, I'll move some of my dining outdoors. On to a picnic table on a deck. With a wonderful view of the lake. By making changes in my rituals, I liven up my life. Give it much-needed diversity. Variety. I suspect that many people live their lives in ruts. They're stuck. And don't know how to get out. But I've mastered the art of escaping from ruts. By spreading my wings. And soaring. Into the sky. Beyond the horizon. --Jim Broede