Bartender’s Tips by CJ Schaffer
Change
If change is the only constant, then why are most of us so scared of it? Change can be a good thing, but it can also be a scary thing. I started to think about it as I watched a girl looking lost walk around campus. I walked up to her and asked her if I could help her find something. The girl was looking for a bathroom I told her where to find the cleanest bathroom with hot water that actually works consistently. I realized how I had changed from the person trying every bathroom on campus to the person who knows which one is the best. I know this is not a big deal to some, but to me it was. I was scared to death going back to school after so many years, and now, although, I still get butterflies every time I start a new semester I am confident I will survive.
With the new year in full swing it is time to buckle down and really go for it. I am hoping to encourage any of you who are considering falling off the resolution wagon to stay on it. Think about all that has changed in your life. Have you ever switched jobs, gotten married, had children, moved, or learned anything new? These are all changes, and some may not have been in your control, but you survived. Now, before you pick up that beautiful yummy Twinkies tell yourself that not eating it is a small change, and you will survive without it. I know this is easier said than done and I’m right there with any of you who are thinking, ‘I’ll have to eat all the Twinkies in the pantry before I start not eating them because I can’t throw away food there are starving children in Africa.’ Unfortunately this way of thinking is not going to get us any healthier.
I believe that the fear of change is what keeps so many of us from changing eating habits, smoking habits, and habits in exercise. Many of us have little fear of the future, and our fear of change keeps us wanting to live “in the now”, but isn’t that why so many are having financial difficulties now? Living pay check to pay check (if you get one) can be scary, so imagine how scary it would be to watch yourself deteriorate because one too many times you smoked, or ate something you should not have. When you think about it that way it is more serious than charging one too many trips to Disneyland. Because many people had no trouble buying houses they could not afford, or charging their credit cards through the roof we should not be surprised when Americans are getting unhealthier.
Now here is some encouragement. You can change little things; for two weeks I am encouraging all of you to cut out unnecessary driving; instead walk to any place that is within a mile of your house. I know that this may be impossible for some of you, so park as far away from the store, work, or wherever you are going and walk. I also hope you will clean out the pantry; anything you should not be eating throw out, or donate. My tip for you this week: don’t be afraid! You can do it!
Please contact me at cj@sierramountaintimes.com.
