Start of New Routine; Struggle with Spiritual Dryness

I don't know about y'all but I always start off a new routine with a lot of energy... and somewhere along the way (of the first week), I feel like crashing and burning because I tried to make too many changes at once. I have to remind myself that new routines take a while to get used to. I was used to getting up at 4 in the morning to drive my mother to work, five days a week, prior to my vacation. Now I'm used to waking up at 8-9 a.m. every morning. Since my vacation officially ends today, I have to get back to my old routine which, to be honest, is not at all appealing. Who wants to get up at 4 a.m.? No one. lol. But I know that I must so I just give in to the fact and try to do it with as much energy (despite some cranky mornings) as possible. This isn't the only change I'm making either.

As many of you know, I pray the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary but I don't stick to the schedule as well as I should. Sure, I do the "most important ones" (Prime and Vespers) without fail (unless I am so sick that I accidentally sleep right through the times). Most days I can get Terce, Compline, and Matins done (yes, I like to do it old school) but I fail with Sext and None. A couple of nights ago I wrote on this blog's FB page:

"Going through spiritual dryness, you never know how or when you're going to get out. Though I still feel stuck in it, it's much less. I thank God for putting the right person (at the right time) in my path because they are inspiring me to change a lot of things... and consequently renewing interest in certain faith related things.

P.S. If anyone is going through this, you're not alone. St. Teresa of Avila and St. Therese of Lisieux both struggled through it."

To be honest, I still feel like I'm barely getting out of the dryness. I will actually tackle this subject on its own soon. However, as I wrote, I was inspired by someone to stick to doing the Little Office like anyone would keep (or try to keep) the Liturgy of the Hours. It was also suggested in The Temperament God Gave You for my particular temperament (Phlegmatic-Sanguine representing) that, besides the Liturgy of the Hours (or Little Office in my case), the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet would be good to keep in regular practice. While, of course, speaking to my spiritual advisor would be best, I'm going to start off keeping a more regular prayer schedule until the next time I see him. Side note: Just because I know my vocation doesn't mean I don't still need direction now and then. ;)
Anyway, which I am totally excited to feel less spiritual dryness, I have to make myself a note (possibly on a post-it) to remind myself of two things: 1) to not add too many things at once and 2) to not get discouraged if it takes me awhile to get the hang of this new routine.

My work schedule is going to have to be more discipline than before. While it's true that as a freelance writer I make up my own schedule, I have to really stick to it. That means going back to my restricted time on social networks and planning out everything in advance so that I can make the most out of work and my spiritual life. All I have to focus on are those two things but I don't want to get too caught up in either (especially not work). School and vocation are on the backburner until I get accepted somewhere (for the grad school part) and until God decides that it's the right time for me to focus on my vocation as a future wife and mother.  

Anyway, just wanted to share this before my vacation ends. Sigh. Two and a half weeks of vacation, you will be missed but we shall see each other again in December for the holidays. ;) Now back to listening to The Chieftains' Voice of Ages album, enjoy a bit of The Voice (fan of the show) and then read before bed. :D May this new routine go well. *crosses fingers*

I hope you all had a great weekend and have a wonderful week as well. If you have any prayer requests, please send them my way. :D

As always, thanks for reading and God bless!