The other day, I realised something by chance. I keyed in “routine” to search for interesting posts and realised that the top 5 routine posts were contributed by yours truly.

I think this explains the koala bear stranglehold this site has on me. I’m constantly fascinated by human nature and eager to find out what makes people tick. Sure, I can post these questions on my Facebook, but I don’t think I will gather so many lived experiences and insights. Probably only a friend or two will respond with a one-liner. Some may even jest and ask why I am being so earnest.

I just want to accelerate my wisdom, that’s all.

Anyway, as the great e.e.cummings poem goes: i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it. I think of you guys always.

No. For real. No bullshit.

I have assimilated some of your brand phrases into my life. I call these words brand phrases because if I were to come across something similar posted by another Stacker, I half-expect you to type these phrases in a show of support and solidarity.

Like grayruby will gently nudge us to reframe and think I get to do this and not I have to do this. Or how handsomelatino would share his amazement that he’s a superhuman parent. Or how Bitman21 would bring up the North Wind and the Sun. Hodlpleb would share how he is serving his family. Natalia would elaborate on her joy of creating. There are just too many of these signature phrases. I can’t name them all, but my face broadens into a knowing smile whenever I come across your brand phrase.

Thing is, your habits have influenced my behaviour. Once, Undisciplined explained how he might not start his day off by tackling the most cognitive demanding task on his plate. That brought me immense relief because these days, I no longer feel guilty about clearing the small assorted tasks that may not be important but occupy valuable headspace. Coupled with beorange’s advice to focus on momentum, I think I slip into the flow like an eel because I’m not so preoccupied with optimising my brain energy at conventionally perceived strategic periods of time. I am also manly enough to take cold showers most of the time because BTCFC recommends them. Maybe I should start to expose myself to pain, as his recent article exhorts.

Have any Stacker’s words or habits stuck with you, like they have with me?