Old Habits Die Easier Overseas

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves and branches grow. The task of breaking a bad habit is like uprooting a powerful oak within us. And the task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower one day at a time.”--James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Now I haven't read Atomic Habits, so I can't write a comprehensive review, but I do know it's in every book shop as of late all over the world. The idea that habits are entrenched like an oak tree, confirms the subconscious nature of their existing roots. They sneak in as an added extremity supplying oxygen to your veins. From how and when we brush our teeth, to what we scroll through on our phones. From the brand of our toothpaste, to the pillow under our head. Without realizing it, we constantly act in line with our habits.

Normally, we won't deviate from these habits even when others point out there nonsensical nature because we can justify the oxygen that comforts us. We defend our habits with rationale-- it makes the most sense, it's in line with science or medicine, we could change the habit if we wanted (we just never want to). Whatever the justification, habits begin to dictate our decisions.

“We need to hold the present [including our habits] with a slack hand, so as to be ready to fold our tents and take to the road, if God wills. We must not reckon on continuance, nor strike our roots so deep that it needs a hurricane to remove us.” (Maclaren," Numbers 9 commentary)

God certainly uses natural disasters, like hurricanes, or diagnoses, like cancer, to force a habit change, but I have found that traveling, especially overseas, is an easier way of uprooting ingrained habits. One of my sons has had "issues" sleeping in a new places since birth, i.e. Grandma's house, hotels, etc. He accepted this as a part of who he was--something he can't help. After our first rough night in northern Italy though, he adjusted. But when we moved further south, he commented that he would probably have a bad night at every new Airb&b. Thankfully, once he recognized that this was a simple habit, we were able to change it (with a small incentive of course). Low and behold, he doesn't have this issue anymore.

There are also harmless habits turned rituals, which we've had to forgo while traveling. How and when we start school, what we make for saturday breakfast, or what summer events we watch on TV. Altering our traditions has altered how we are satisfied. Just like when we spent holidays in hospitals, we have an opportunity to see that our habits don't hinder our joy.

More than that, since coming overseas, we have also lost our "survival kits:" medicines, first aid, prescriptions drugs, and even my favorite face wash. While the average scout, nurse, or vet has training to give them confidence during travel, we have had to depend on God for perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Our usual western arrogance fools us into thinking we must have a Plan B, but God has used travel as our bootcamp, debunking all our prideful assumptions and habits. We have lost more of our belongings in transit than I care to think about, but that's how God proves we only need Him! He always provides.

This is what keeps me traveling. Actually witnessing God as God, not the God that fits into my comfortable habits. I can't secure necessities anymore. We have lived in places without water, without air conditioning, without appliances, and even without any neighbors. I can't depend on a store down the street, an app on my phone, or even a local community for help. It's the beauty of letting go of your habitual routines--you can "laugh at the days to come" (Proverbs 31:25), even with nothing in your bag. It's how the disciples were sent out--with complete dependence on the Lord, not their usual bags packed. Two questions remain: will we maintain a healthy dependence on God even if we have everything? And what habits are still masquerading as wise choices in our lives?

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

~Carefully & Carelessly Habit Breaking

~