When a Habit No Longer Serves You
Although I’ve seen this meme randomly over the years, it seems to be having a day of late—at least in my social media feed.
If you read the comments under a post like this, people have strong opinions about this topic. And most of them stand by the two spaces after a period. For many, this habit is so ingrained that doing it differently just feels awkward—maybe even wrong.
Why one space now and not two? Computers use proportional fonts unlike typewriters that used monospaced fonts. When using a typewriter, you need that extra space to clearly separate the sentences. Otherwise, it’s no longer needed.
I learned this lesson the hard way. When I published my first book, I still double-spaced at the end of a sentence. If a sentence ended at the right margin, the next line started one space in. If you have one of the first versions of my first book, go ahead and flip through it. You’ll easily find a place where a new sentence begins one space in. Eventually, I used an editor, and she quickly broke me of a habit I wasn’t sure I could break. But due to necessity (I wanted my books to align nicely) and a little support and accountability from a professional, I broke free from the two-spaces habit.
When a habit no longer serves you, it's time to let it go. Instead of staying stuck, admit the need to move forward and break free. Share on XUntil this habit impacted something “major” for me, I didn’t take it too seriously. Even though I knew this “rule” had changed at some point, I didn’t pay much attention to it. But when this habit started affecting my books in a negative way, I knew it was time to do something different.
One or two spaces at the end of your sentence is likely neither here nor there for you (other than showing your age!), but what other habit are you refusing to break that has, or eventually will have, a significant impact on you?
Maybe you’ve found yourself rushing through your quiet time and feeling a little empty. What if you gave yourself permission to slow down and refill your cup before it runs dry?
Has your bloodwork indicated concerns with blood sugar or cholesterol? Is it time to make your health a priority before you’re being prescribed several medications?
Is it time to stop letting the scale dictate your worth and find your worth is who you are and Whose you are?
I find it interesting that this meme ends with “You’re free.” One would think if “you’re free” then you’re free to do whatever you want to do—one space or two spaces. True freedom comes when we let go of the things that weigh us down and step into what moves us forward. In this case, sticking with the two spaces is an old approach, an old way of thinking and doing things.
It’s time to release the past, release the old way of doing things, and receive the present. Embrace your age and stage of life and do it confidently.
If you need help breaking a habit, incorporating a new habit, or simply embracing your age and stage of life, please reach out to me.
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