The F-Word of the Day is: Familiar.

To some people, familiar is a bad thing with negative connotations… like ‘being with one person for the rest of your life’ or getting bored with the same-old, same-old.

For other people, familiar is cozy and safe.  Having your favorite things around you, or following your familiar routine and seeing familiar faces.

When I was younger, I have to admit I was in the first group.  I liked meeting new people, visiting new places, following my own path.  I got bored quickly and easily – as soon as something started feeling routine, I started feeling fenced in and cut off.

And back then, life was many things… exciting, terrifying, fun, painful, new, different… but it was seldom familiar.  It fit the me I was back then, and I’ve no regrets and wouldn’t change a thing.

But, as I’ve gotten… ahem… older (and hopefully wiser), I’ve discovered that ‘familiar’ has a certain charm of its own.

I like the routines I’ve fallen into now.

Starting every morning with Alain, the two of sharing a croissant, him drinking a cup of coffee, me having a cup of green tea, and reading the news of the day to each other from our respective laptops…

Working on my latest ghostwriting project in the quiet of the morning, once I’ve gotten everyone out the door, to work or school.  (One of my favorite things to do as the weather cools off, is sit outside at the little table on my balcony.  I write and listen and watch as people stride, wander, walk and run to their various appointments.

Having a successful internet business.

Going to the open-air market to choose fresh fruits and vegetables, and then stopping at the butcher’s or the fishmonger’s, and then the bakery that’s around the corner from the house.

Fixing lunch and sitting with Alain while we talk and laugh and enjoying our quiet moments together.

Spending time with the kids, talking about their day and watching them rustle through the refrigerator looking for an after-school snack.

Teaching English classes to kids and adults at the local cultural center.

These everyday, little routines that make up my life are familiar now.  And I’m grateful and feel incredibly blessed to have it be that way.