Evaluating habits

 


I started a habit when I was a teenager: washing my face at bedtime with very hot, soapy water. The initial motivation was trying to help the oily skin that afflicted me, like many teens. I got used to the hot water on my face; especially at bedtime, I didn't want to wake myself up with a splash of cold, and the hot water seemed to help with the oily condition. Later when I wore contact lenses (for 20 years) and was taking them in and out of my eyes, I was always told to make sure my hands were very clean before touching the eyeball. The washing with hot water continued; it's been a ritual for 50 years or so, long after the problems of teenage skin and contact lens cleanliness had faded into the past.
The drought conditions in Utah this year made me think about how I'm using water. In our bathroom, the water has to run for about 60 seconds before the hot water shows up. So my evening ritual has been wasting quite a bit! As I thought about how important water is, I realized I really don't have a good reason for that hot soapy rinse anymore. So I quickly broke the habit! I'm probably saving a gallon a day with just this step - not a lot, but when you realize water is precious, you are grateful for every savings.
It's always interesting to evaluate the things we do habitually. Many of them we are not even aware of until something causes us to question and evaluate. I'm realizing it's a good habit to question my habits! Are there valid reasons for things I do regularly, frequently, habitually? Have the reasons changed over time? Putting ourselves in "autopilot" has advantages, but there may come a time when we should turn the autopilot off.
I #GiveThanks for the reliable, consistent, clean water that flows from my faucets. I don't want to ever take it for granted. "Water is Life." And while I appreciate the efficienty of routine actions, I also am grateful to be reminded to occasionally make sure my actions are achieving my most important goals.

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