I stopped folding the laundry.
Why did I stop folding the laundry? Was I tired of doing it? When a new habit no longer fits the old routine, counselor Saebyeok helps you take a closer look.
As Yujin realizes that her usual evening study routine has ended while folding laundry, she recalls it with her counselor.
Every evening, Yujin used to fold laundry and then open her books. Even after finishing her certification exam, she still sits at her desk in the same order. As more days pass with the books left closed, a remark from her younger sibling reveals that the routine no longer fits. Saebyeok looks with Yujin at the moment her old habit meets her life now.
When a habit lingers after it ends
A routine that once worked well may be worth revisiting when life changes.
What habit do you keep up even after your work for the day is done?
The image of sitting at her desk after folding all the laundry, then closing her book, stays with me. Even after the exam ended, the old routine carried on every evening, and the parts that no longer fit her life now began to show. If you’ve been having evenings like that too, you’re welcome to share what they’ve been like.
Scenes
- 01 · Books after laundry — After folding all the laundry, Yujin sits at her desk as usual. Her certification exam ended last month, but the workbook is still on her desk.
- 02 · The closed workbook — Yujin was about to open her workbook, but rests her palm on its closed cover. She meant to study after folding laundry again today, but she can count on one hand the days she’s opened it.
- 03 · A remark from her younger sibling — From the doorway, her younger sibling sees the closed workbook and asks: Younger sibling: Hey, your exam’s over. Are you still studying these days? Yujin: It’s just what I’ve always done.
- 04 · A pause at the end of her sentence — Saebyeok listens as Yujin talks about how she kept studying in the evenings after the exam ended. Yujin looks at the workbook on her desk, then continues. Saebyeok: Yujin, you always opened your books after folding the laundry. Since the exam ended, how have those evenings been going? Yujin: I open the book, but most days I can’t get through a single page. Still, if I don’t open it, I feel like I’ve wasted the day.
Stories by Saebyeok
- Saebyeok
- I sat at my desk waiting for a reply.
- After an interview, every little thing I could’ve done better comes to mind at once.
- I opened a book while folding laundry, but keep rereading the same line.
- Even when the afternoon starts late, night runs late again.
- Even with the car parked, I can’t write the first line.
- You can see where studying drops off on the way home from work.
- When you ride the elevator alone, job hunting feels even longer.
- Just before I leave work, I look at the clock and think of everyone else’s expectations again.