I share your angst. I feel so much better in my little routine. Often, though, change is thrown my way without little warning, and I've noticed that once I can "wrap my mind" around it (which usually takes a day or two), I'm okay. Not great, but okay.

My husband (nice guy) doesn't understand this. I can't wait to share this video with him.

Thanks for posting it,
Jane

Your video (which is both endearing and down-to-earth honest--an admirable mix) struck a couple of truthful cords with me and I think it's a worthwhile message for you to put out there for those of us who find solace in our everyday routines and severe challenge in their disruption.

I changed jobs this past April and began a quick descent into crippling anxiety, now alleviated somewhat through therapy and 75 mg of Effexor XR. I have generalized anxiety disorder and the key has been my figuring out what's going to set me off. Big Honking Change is one of those things--whether it's a life change or just my husband being away for the weekend.

Your (former) dog is ridiculously cute. Cyber hugs for her. I have a parakeet who plays a similar conversational role for my alone times--though he seems more interested in talking about himself than offering thoughtful responses to my attempts at inter-species communication. ;-)

I've posted here before about what a great service pets can provide. (I'll send you another grown-up picture of Reagan - she's 10 months now.) I would not get out of bed some days if it weren't for the fact that I have to feed her and let her out. I dislike cleaning up her messes more than I like sleeping, I guess. Seriously, she forces a routine upon me and then when changes occur, I am forced to plan for how they are going to effect her as well as me, which forces me into "having a plan" which was the point of your video. I know not everyone has the space or time for a pet, but aside from helping force you into a schedule, they give you so much love and comfort and companionship.

I think you should arrange for joint custody of Hannah. She's adorable.

Pets, pets, pets they cure what ails you. Mine do anyway. Two dogs, a cat, a turtle and fish. Ok not so much the fish.. but everybody else clammering for attention...love it.

Conversely, many consumers lament experiencing too little change. One need only visit a drop-in center, sheltered workshop, partial hospitalization program, or partial care program and consumers will speak about the sameness of their everyday lives, ex. program, TV, eating, program, TV, eating, program, TV, eating and often little else. Where there is absolutely no change or the potential for change what is there to look forward to and to live for? This is particularly disheartening since virtually every program now asserts that it values and promotes community integration.

Lovely video.

I need routines, when I don't have them it drives me nuts, or to hypersleep.

Funny about drinking out of the bottle. When my relationship ended 11 months ago, I started doing that. I haven't stopped.

Ok. now. I am busted.