The extra hour of light is always worth it.
Last Saturday night, we did the yearly change from standard time to daylight savings. We sprang forward an hour and in the process, gave ourselves an extra hour of daylight.
I really love that extra hour. It gives me more time to exercise or work outside. It signals that summer is coming and the days are growing longer. I prefer longer daylight and less darkness. I suppose we are wired to seek the light.
But, there’s a trade off. For about a week after the adjustment, I’m exhausted. That extra hour of light, cost me an hour of sleep. I work in an elementary school. The kids will be tired and cranky for a week and the adults will feel the same.
Isn’t it amazing how just one hour, sixty little minutes, can throw us for such a loop?
But, it does. Human beings are creatures of habit. It’s so very easy for us to become entrenched in where we are and what we are doing even when it’s bad for us. Most of us, including myself, tend to be very resistant to change, even if it’s for our own good. Think: taking up exercise, eating more healthy, going to bed earlier, putting down the electronics It could even be more serious things like closing the door on a bad habit or an unhealthy relationship.
We may start something new with good intentions, but a few days into it, like Wednesday after Daylight Savings Time, we are bleary eyed and ready to give up.
I think the key may be to take a friend or two on the journey to change. Good friends can both cheer us on and call us out, at appropriate times. Good friends can help us remember why we wanted or needed to change in the first place. Good friends can be both hand-holders and drill sergeants.
Change is hard even when it’s for the best and let’s face it, the human will is weak. But, it’s often necessary for our growth. So, if a change is what you need, say a prayer, always the best way to start, and grab a friend to help you along. And to quote Dr. Seuss, “And will you succeed? Yes you will indeed! 98 3/4 per cent guaranteed.”
Daylight Savings Time reminded me about the difficulty, but also the beauty of change. Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂