How Much is That Doggie in the Window?

     In my estimation, there are two kinds of shopping.  The first is going after something you want or need.  You know what you want and you are just looking for the best buy.  The goal is to get the best product at the best price.  I was telling someone recently that a good shirt has two requirements for me.  It has to be a good quality shirt that I like and it has to be on sale.  Often the shirts I really love and wear a lot are the ones I paid the least for.  For instance I have a plaid shirt I wear as an everyday shirt and it cost me $5.00 at Walmart.  It looks good on me, really it does.
     The second kind of shopping is more like dreaming.  You wander around the stores looking at things that you might buy if money was no object.  When we go to the mall I always like to go by the pet store and look at the puppies.  They are usually way more than I am willing to pay and my wife isn't really a dog person.  However it's fun to look.  The puppies are so cute and I can see myself playing with them.  Then the real world hits and you realize you have to buy food, exercise them and clean up after them.  So I just look and enjoy and then move on.
     Recently Kathy and I were walking through Bed Bath and Beyond in our dreamer mode.  We were looking at things that might make our lives easier or at least more efficient.  Do we really need a new vacuum or a new blender?  Probably not but it would make things a little easier and maybe a little cleaner.  Anyway this is what we were doing when my mind began to wander and I started thinking about other things that would make my life more effective, things that did not cost much but would fulfill a need or desire.
     What I began to think about was habits, habits I have and habits that I would like to have.  Okay, it might seem like quite a leap but it made sense to me at the time.  You see, I can dream of all the things that I want to be.  When I think of some way I want my life to be different, I can contemplate what habit I could adopt to bring the desired change.
     Let me give you an example.  I decided that I would feel more peaceful if my kitchen island was less cluttered.  I could tell my wife she has to keep it cleared off and clean.  Be careful if you choose that method.  A better way is get in the habit of not leaving anything on it.  Instead of having a habit of dropping stuff on it when I walk in the door, I am working on the habit of putting things away immediately.  It takes some diligence and perseverance but after it is established my habit will work for me to give me the order I want in our home.
     Starting small is also a good idea when thinking about habits you want to change.  I read about a person who wanted to lose weight.  Instead of eating two desserts after a meal he started to eat one dessert.  Well one habit led to another and in a year or so he was running a marathon.
     It is also crucial that we have support and accountability.  It is amazing how effective it is just to know that someone is going to ask how we are doing with our new habit.  To me it is exciting to think that I have the ability to change my life for the better.  Just like when I am shopping at the store, I get  to choose what I want.
     I read something that suggested that you write one "thank you" text or email everyday.  Don't think something that  easy could change your life for the better?  Maybe you should should try it and see.  (For sure you should get into the habit of reading my blog every week.)  Just a thought.
     Next week we talk about humility, what it looks like and why we need it.  Don't miss "In My Humble Opinion."
   

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