We all need our routines to motivate and keep us going: the same cup for our morning coffee, the comfortable shortcut to get to work on time, that newspaper first thing on Sunday morning.

About the importance of routines, American theologian Tyron Edwards said, "Thoughts lead on to purposes; purposes go forth in action; action form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny."

For 80 years, cellist Pablo Casals would start each day by playing on the piano two preludes and fugues of Johann Sebastian Bach. He called it "a sort of benediction on the house...a rediscovery of the world in which I have the joy of being a part of."

There IS meaning in everything we do. Routines help us to focus, organize, and get things done. Writer Joan Didion developed a multicolored routine for her writing.  She used yellow paper for note taking, pale blue for transforming notes to draft, and watermarked white bond when the end was near.

As artist Vincent Van Gogh said, "Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."

Family traditions build intimacy and memories. Friendship is built on a foundation of shared experiences, vital to growth and the strength of connection. When you share your heart with someone, the bond is there forever. The blessings multiply!

"One must observe the proper rites," observed writer and philosopher Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Every day routines comfort and keep us sane. Rituals celebrate personal renewal and restore creativity... And more. Look at how easily a routine can blossom into a blessed moment!

Celebrate and cherish your rituals.