“We stop living when we stop learning.” I do not know to whom I should attribute this thought, but they speak the truth. Take a minute and rewind the tape of your day. Not yesterday, not a week ago, but just today. Go slowly and pay particular attention.

What we are looking for are breaks in the hum of life; small hiccups where our ordinary script is interrupted and we experience something new. How many hours, days, weeks or months slip past us with no new experiences?

We are creatures of habit and at times I am the worst of the lot. I wake at the same time each morning. Walk the dogs and feed the dogs. Drive to the gym (same route), break a sweat and drive home. Shower, shave, dress then head to the office.

You get the picture. I love my life. I am thankful for each day and the immense blessings that I keep stumbling over. But I’m also aware that I can be a creature of habit.

Recently I spent some time at the beach. My “habit” at the beach is to cover myself in sunscreen (a must for redheads), grab my book, sunglasses, beach chair and umbrella. I plant myself and read until I fall asleep. Then I gather my things and head to the house.

The idea of taking small steps to break out of my routines had been on my mind when I saw a small group of kids go splashing into the water. With a shock I realized how many years (yes, years) it had been sense I had left my chair and umbrella and actually swam in these waters.

I am far too young to feel the limiting squeeze of habits that take life away rather than give it back. The book and glasses went flying as I dashed into the water. It took about 3 seconds for the laughter to start and very quickly I became the biggest kid on the beach.

As you stand in your home and look around today, think about ways that you can step out of your decorating routine. It might be something as simple as an armful of sunflowers on the hall table or something more involved like re-arranging the furniture.

I encourage you to pick one thing today and do it differently. See how it looks; see how it feels and let this be our first step towards daily experiences that keep us learning and living.

Write and let me know what change you made today.