There is an undeniable allure in disorder, and a strange kind of charm in apparent randomness. For some, these are the basis for chaos. But for others, it’s a symphony in the making.For those of us with many unusual habits and seemingly haphazard routines, we often get misinterpreted as being ‘scatterbrained’ or ‘disorganized.’ Were you dig a little deeper, you might find an art form taking shape in the realm of the seemingly disarrayed.
In our daily lives, there are common habits we all share: waking up, brushing our teeth, having breakfast, among others. However, for some, there exist activities and occupations that may baffle the common onlooker. These odd habits and diversions might appear uncoordinated and aimless to the casual observer. But to those who perform and enjoy them, there is much joy and purpose to be derived from them. Those truly passionate about their hobbies and projects meticulously craft their approaches over many years.
Consider this: when you do things seemingly haphazardly, are you not subconsciously following a pattern that makes sense only to yourself? Think of the unordered pile of books on your nightstand, the seemingly chaotic arrangement of art supplies on your desk, your irregular hours of work and play —what if they are not as haphazard as they appear? What if they are part of a sophisticated, personal algorithm that drives your productivity and creativity?
To those who find themselves caught in this beautiful chaos, remember: don’t let others define your methods or your madness. You’re the composer and the conductor of your symphony, the choreographer and the dancer of your ballet. Just because the rhythm and the moves are unfamiliar to anyone else around you does not make them any less meaningful or effective. Yet we’re often quick to judge the actions of others that we don’t understand, while we ourselves often do things we can’t readily explain.
An essential part of mastering the chaos in our own lives is the process of self-analysis. Learn to recognize your patterns, understand the logic behind your actions, and discern what works for you and what doesn’t. This doesn’t mean disregard your flaws; instead, acknowledge them as parts of your living process, understanding that they too have a role to play in your unique way of being.
Your objective in trying to rein in your own seemingly haphazard or unusual habits isn’t to strictly eliminate them or to impose the conventional structures of order upon yourself. Instead, work to streamline your unique thinking process and how you act upon that. Mastering yourself involves refining your existing patterns, chipping away like a sculptor with marble, tirelessly crafting it to reveal the masterpiece lying within.
Too often, we find ourselves being pulled in by the gravitational pull of peer pressure, societal expectations, and cultural norms. It’s often difficult to resist the allure of conformity, because we’re often led to think this is how we succeed, by giving into the common denominator. In these moments which test our individual resolve, it’s crucial to remember that the art of your haphazard habits isn’t about achieving a state of order acceptable to others. It’s about attuning to the melody within yourself, harmonizing with your own unique rhythms, and making them work for you.
After all, we have to live with ourselves. No one else knows yourself better than you. Those who can’t accept you as you are can’t be bothered to appreciate what you have to offer. It’s taken me years of deep self-examination to learn this simple truth, that being scatterbrained isn’t necessarily a flaw. It’s a perspective that few others can comprehend: you’re considering many spheres of possibility at once. This approach to life, when properly understood and harnessed, can be an invaluable asset.
So, the next time someone labels your own process as ‘disorganized’, smile and dance to the tune of your own soundtrack. Don’t let naysayers force you to march in step with their own rigid, often purely arbitrary expectations. It’s been my experience that in the realm of the apparently haphazard and the patently unusual, there lies a unique, potent form of art. This art can be yours, but you must be brave and curious enough to discover what only you can make of it.
~ Amelia Desertsong
