There are times when my mind needs stability. With the madness of everyday life, routine is the only way I can feel calm. I can’t focus without it.

Other times, it’s that disorder I crave — when I thrive in chaos.

These periods are almost always seasonal.

In the cold winter months, I spend much more time indoors. I do more work during this time, so I need my mind to be sharp. This is where routine comes in.

My mind is clearer, my body becomes stronger and healthier, and I am wildly productive in my personal and professional projects.

But around May, routine gets old. The monotony of it all bores me — I need more. The warming outdoors calls me back. Hibernation is over.

Any semblance of routine vanishes.

Some days I sleep in, others I rise before the sun. Every free day is different. Sometimes I chip away on projects, and some days I wander around doing street photography. All of my diet habits are out the window — I eat and drink whatever and whenever I feel.

When the weather is nice, I ride my bike. When it isn’t, I run. Or, I do neither.

Random invite for patio beers? Let’s go.

This summer madness is exhilarating, a months-long adrenaline rush.

It’s also exhausting. And it is exactly the reason why right around this time — in early November — that I return to routine.

The time has come to reset, refocus, and realign.