Embracing Quirky Habits and Superstitions

I have a lot of quirky habits and superstitions.  Some of them are small, some are a little strange, but all of them feel meaningful to me. 

One of my earliest habits I started when I was younger was that whenever I left home for a trip more than about twenty miles, I developed this pattern of blinking rapidly a few times.  I get really into it, facial expressions and all.  And for some reason, I’ve kept this habit to this day.  It’s embarrassing, especially if I’m in the car with someone, but in my mind, it’s good luck.  If I don’t do it, I just don’t feel right.  Eventually, I always notice mid-trip, and I do it.  It’s something that makes me feel grounded and safe. 

Another habit that I still hold, is one that might feel a little sentimental.  Whenever I’m driving on the freeway and I pass the cemetery where my grandparents are buried, I always blow them a kiss.  If I don’t, once again, it feels off.  It just an important gesture that I need to do. 

I also have this quirky ritual around food and routine.  For example, if I eat a meal in a certain way or in a certain order, it just feels “right.”  Sometimes I’ll even start over if things are off balance.  Like my utensils not being the correct size or skipping a bite order in I had in my head.  It sounds strange, I know, but it’s comforting and brings a sense of self control to everyday life.  These patterns make even ordinary moments feel purposeful, like I’m shaping my own little world. 

I have to mention this one too.  Watching baseball—a famously superstitious sport—I notice myself doing odd rituals. During playoffs or the World Series, I’ll stand up, move around, mute and unmute the TV, change my shirt, or shift my position repeatedly.  Last year, during the World Series, I found myself mumbling a “word” I apparently said as a baby.  It’s not a real word but saying it gave me a sense of luck and helped calm my anxiety. 

Repetition has always been a way I soothe myself.  Whether I’m anxious, frustrated, in pain, or in the middle of a meltdown, I repeat words, motions, phrases, until I feel some sense of control.  It’s one of those autistic traits that I’ve learned to accept as a part of who I am. 

Thinking more about it, I realize these habits aren’t just quirks or oddities. They’re deeply tied to my emotions. They give me comfort and connect me to memories. They help me find better control in situations where I might otherwise feel powerless. Each one might seem insignificant to others, but for me, they hold meaning.

Yes, my habits are weird, but they’re a part of me.  They help me navigate the world, protect my energy, and cope with the uncertainty around me.  And honestly? They’ve made life a little more interesting in their own unique way.  

Do you have any quirky or odd habits? I’d love to know!

“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”

Vincent van Gogh