When to (not) follow the rules
I’m a rule follower, I always have been. I use my signal lights, cross at crosswalks, and follow posted signs. I file my taxes on time. I read the owner’s manual for every appliance I purchase and review instructions before putting together furniture.
People laugh at my “10 and 2” hand position and tease me about how long it will take to get somewhere if I’m driving. But that’s okay. Being safe and organized makes me happy. (Yes, happy!)
I can focus knowing everything is in its place, I like knowing what I’m getting into before I get started and okay, I’ll admit that I like to be in control.
You might think that sounds dull or that I don’t have any fun. But here’s what I find interesting – while part of my life seems safe and boring, other parts seem risky and adventurous!
I’ve jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet above New Zealand, I’ve back-packed through Asia alone, I flew half-way around the world to meet a man I’d only ever spoken to on the phone, I’ve packed everything I owned and moved to a new city on a whim and I’m currently traveling with 60 strangers spending one month in 12 cities around the world!
Yet these things didn’t seem risky when I made the decision (although friends and family would disagree, which is why I often don’t tell them until after!)
And this makes me think about life – is it true that how we do one thing is how we do everything? I’m not sure.
To me, traveling and having adventures is what I live for but I still crave structure and rules. Can you have both?
A few years ago, I was standing on a street corner in Hanoi, Vietnam unable to move. There were no crosswalks and traffic was insane – buses, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, animals, people – all flying by without any sense of order or rules. I looked around, frozen.
As I stood there, a local lady grabbed my arm and kindly guided me across the street, stopping and moving our way frogger-style through the traffic.
When we reached the other side, I nodded my thanks and smiled. I realized what looked like chaos to me was in fact organized and natural to someone else.
So perhaps adventure and structure can exist together if we shift our perspective!
My fellow travelers still tease me as I wait for the light to change before crossing a deserted street or constantly ask what the speed limit is, and that’s okay – I’m here, I’m pursuing my dream, I’m having adventures.
And yes, I’m following the rules.
Do you follow the rules or make your own?
Hi Michelle. Really enjoyed your most recent writing. By in large I am similar to you in that I follow rules but every now and then I use that old adage, “Rules are meant to be broken”. I seem to apply that often when I’m driving or shopping neither of which is necessarily a good time to break rules. I especially do try and follow rules to a T when we are traveling in foreign countries -I don’t want to end up in jail. Take care
I agree Vic – no messing around with rules in a foreign country!
Oh no….I feel busted. You get your ” rule following” genetics from your Dad. I follow most rules….. unless I want to take a shortcut, or pick my own route, or I think the rule is ridiculous, or I think I am smarter than the rule. When Ryder was 4, I drove him across the street, just strapped in a lap belt and not in his booster seat. I said to him, “We are just going across the road to Gramma’s. We will just strap you in with the lap belt and sneak across the road”. His eyes were huge with amazement and the wonder of actually disobeying the rules. As I strapped him in, he had a big grin that was both mischievous and slightly fearful. His eyes were like saucers and he blurted out, “Well, this is unprecedented.” Unprecedented, indeed. So to sum it up..rule breaking is not a good example to a 4 year old BUT…if you are alone at a long red light and there are no cars in either direction for a mile…go for it. Love you Mom xoxoxo
Oh mom, you are hilarious and definitely not a rule follower – I know I get that from dad! But I love your adventurous spirit and carry that with me too. xoxo
HI Michelle…Happy Easter! I do believe that structure and adventure can co-exist. I am very much like you….read owner’s manuals for all appliances, cross at crosswalks, read the instructions for all diy projects, and follow the speed limit. However, depending upon the circumstance, rules are meant to be ignored, so adventure and risk can be experienced. So go ahead, break those rules! Your writing is captivating, so I look forward to your future posts. Take care.
Thanks Yvonne, and Happy Easter to you as well! And “hooray” for bending rules to experience adventure – I love it!
Hi Michelle. Enjoyed your current blog very much. Prague is such a beautiful city. We were there in May last year. Enjoy EVERYTHING it has to offer. Don’t know if you enjoy beer but the Czech beers are as good as it can get.
Take care. I look forward very much to your next up date
Thanks Vic – you’re right, Prague is a stunning city! I’m enjoying exploring all the sites and soaking up as much culture as possible. I don’t drink beer but my fellow travelers are raving about it!