Getting Use to Anything

What have you gotten used to in your life, and why? It has been said that people can get used to almost anything. If it happens gradually over time and in small enough increments, this is probably true. When you become used to things being a certain way, you develop what we call a comfort zone around them. When you’re in your comfort zone, you don’t really have to think too much about it.

If you’re used to cleaning up your house every day because you like things neat and tidy, it will put you out of your comfort zone to wake up in the morning and see a sink full of dirty dishes. Generally, you will make sure that doesn’t happen. If, on the other hand, you get used to seeing a sink full of dirty dishes every morning when you get up, it won’t bother you at all and chances are that the sink will remain full until you finally have to wash them in order to have any utensils to eat with!

Now, if you are expecting company, the things you’ve gotten used to and comfortable with may suddenly become very un-comfortable. “That’s okay for me,” you may think, “But I don’t want my guests to see it like that,” and you go to work to clean up the mess. There is nothing like an outside influence to help us turn “have to’s” into “want to’s.” However, once that outside influence goes away, we go back to what we have gotten used to.

Do you know people who go on crash diets before a school reunion or other special events? It is the same sort of thing. We all get busy and priorities shift. Inevitably, some things slide out of importance, at least for the moment. Perhaps it’s time to take a look at your life. Are there things you’ve gotten used to, bit by bit, that surprise you a little now?

Don’t just put on a façade for company. Aren’t you worthy of the same consideration and the same high standards you display for others? Do it for yourself, because you do deserve it!