We all have our routines," he said softly."But they must have a purpose and provide an outcome that we can see and take some comfort from, or else they have no use at all. Without that, they are like the endless pacings of a caged animal. If they are not madness itself, then they are a prelude to it.

There is immunity in reading, immunity in formal society, in office routine, in the company of old friends and in the giving of officious help to strangers, but there is no sanctuary in one bed from the memory of another. The past with its anguish wi

Illness is a story told in the past tense.

It’s a hard thing to leave any deeply routine life, even if you hate it.

Thoughts are only thoughts. They are not you. You do belong to yourself, even when your thoughts don't.

Parce qu'il y a certaines habitudes qui deviennent vitales. Aussi futiles soient elles, elles deviennent des points de repères, des choses sur lesquelles on se base pour avancer. Faire sonner trois fois son réveil le matin avant de se lever. Avoir une marque de café favorite. Être assis toujours à la même place à table. Lacer sa chaussure gauche avant la droite. Des gestes qui se transforment en rituels et si ça foire un jour plus rien ne va et on se sent perdu.