Full moon party

Have you ever had a moment where you realize you're stuck in a rut? Last night, Lidia and I attended a full moon dance party. Not the kind of party you might be thinking of, but an event that happens every three months, coinciding with the full moon. The event had a live acoustic session, a DJ spinning tunes, and for the grand 2-hour finale, a six-man band played upbeat Caribbean rhythms, covering Calypso, Mento, Early Reggae, and Ska styles. They improvised with each other and engaged with the crowd. The energy was infectious and electric, and we found ourselves dancing, laughing, and making new friends well into the night. We ended the night in true Italian style, with a late-night plate of "spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino" at 1:30 AM, reminiscent of the carefree times we used to enjoy.
Truthfully, I had no idea what to expect from the night or the venue. It had been a long time since I stepped outside my comfort zone, embracing the unknown and letting the night unfold. I realised that I had begun to avoid such spontaneous outings. But why?
This morning, as I chose to run with my kids instead of going for my usual solo Sunday run, I realised I've been caught in a cycle of 'serious' routine. Like many others, my life revolves around work, household chores, training, kids' activities - the usual, nothing more, nothing less. But it's not the routine itself that's the problem. It's my attitude towards it. A routine is essential; it keeps my life organised and efficient. But it shouldn't consume me. It shouldn't be the be-all and end-all of existence.
Instead, the routine should serve as a foundation, a springboard that propels me into the realm of the unpredictable, the exciting, the fun. It should allow me to carve out time for the unexpected joys and experiences that life outside the routine can offer. In essence, I need to change my approach: be laser-focused during my routine to maximise time efficiency, and then let go. Allow myself the freedom to live, to enjoy, to have fun outside the confines of the routine.
Reflecting on the fun I had last night serves as a wake-up call, a reminder that life exists beyond the boundaries of our everyday routines.