QuikTrip Nostalgia

How Childhood Routines Become Sources of Comfort

This morning I went to the QuikTrip out on Warner Rd and Arizona Ave., preparing myself for a drive down to Tuscon for a training. A bit of nostalgia hit me. Growing up, my dad would always take my brother and I to QuikTrip each morning as we embarked on our journey to school. What made this part of childhood carry warmth for me?

With split custody, we went to QuikTrip with my dad only 6x monthly, and so it was often enough to be expected, but not so frequent that it was boring. We often take joy in things that are out of the ordinary, like vacations, or holidays, but the simple treats in life are what give us comfort. It is an accessible way to feel a bit of happiness as we need it.

The other factor contributing to that nostalgia is that our QuikTrip outings were often paired with spending a lot of quality time together. Our trip to school was long, so we had to wake very early in order to get to school on-time. I now appreciate how it gave us a chance for more time enjoying each other.

I remember jamming out to music when we first left the driveway on the way to QT, which had us smiling, singing, and embracing the tired craziness of the early mornings. Then getting to the gas station allowed us a chance to move, picking out drinks to have to enjoy for the remainder of the drive. It was nice being together, just vibing, seeing the sunrise, and drinking soda. I appreciated not having to be fully engaged in talking, while also being forced to be near each other in the small setting. It was nice.

So, in this short reflection, I just aim to encourage parents to think of how your routines together can become your child’s greatest source of comfort one day. Maybe even reflect on what comforts you now, and how you were introduced to it as a child. How can you create new traditions to give yourself a sense of ease, smiles, and safety? What can you lean into that already comforts you?