Since last post, I’ve been as busy as H. E. DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS! Let’s see…I planned and executed a golden anniversary party for my in-laws, celebrated father’s day with my dad, went on two interviews for a volunteer board position and, oh yeah, work a full-time job.
Is it Friday yet? This weekend I’m skipping ahead to #7 in the Battle of the UNs, which involves yours truly and a shot of whisky. Stay tuned…
In the meantime, enjoy this guest post by Andie, a regular reader and commenter and a cool chameleon herself. Drum roll, please….
I am reading the book, God’s Power to Change Your Life, by Rick Warren. Tonight, I read the following paragraph.
Are you a thermostat or a thermometer? You are one or the other.
A thermometer registers the temperature. It simply reflects its environment, whether it’s hot or cold.
A thermostat, on the other hand, controls the temperature. It influences its environment; it sets the standard.
Which are you-a thermometer or a thermostat?
I have been pondering this question and feel stuck in self-analysis like a person gets stuck in quicksand.
Making changes in a person’s life isn’t as easy as turning up the heat or clicking on the AC. I wish it was. Don’t you?
People just don’t just magically change. We have to make the DECISION to change our lives. For example, as I got older I gained a lot of weight. I knew how to eat right and how to exercise property. I just didn’t do it. I was a thermometer on the beach of laziness.
Recently, I started to lose a lot of weight. Why? Because I made the DECISION to do it and am following through with what it takes. I feel more like a thermostat every day, setting a standard for myself and a temperature that feels just right. I’m trying to do this with other aspects of my life as well. I want to be better, to do better, to be kinder and gentler, and to be a better communicator regardless of my environment; to be more like a thermostat set on a comfortable 75.5 degrees.
Which are you – a thermometer or a thermostat? Is it time to change the temperature?
The Chameleon's Backbone 
Posted by Hilary on June 23, 2011 at 4:02 am
Hi Tracy .. I love this analogy .. and it’s simple to remember and we’re like to think about it everyday .. as the central heating comes on or off .. etc .. I’m a thermostat now! Getting on with things, setting the standards .. as you say … finally getting towards the right balance. Cheers – good for you and hope the weight loss continues – I’ll follow in your footsteps. Hilary
Posted by Andie on June 23, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Glad to see a fellow thermostat here! Every time our AC comes on we will think a little deeper-right?
Posted by Hilary on June 24, 2011 at 3:27 am
Hi Tracy .. turn the thermostat right down for a hot weekend – I hope!
You’re right – it’s set off, so I won’t get too hot (with the heating on unnecessarily) and can get on with life!
Enjoy ..I’m in the UK – windows open, sun pouring in .. and a fresh breeze – perfect for work (if we have to .. yes!) .. Cheers Hilary
Posted by Yadayadafishpaste on June 23, 2011 at 7:42 am
I’ve been in a phenomenal season of change. Some of the experiences have been completely WOW and liberating and others have been painful and slow and some times simply frustrating. Everywhere I look I see messages of choices and right now – on this journey of change – many choices are shaping the direction that I’m heading into the future: who I was vs. who I’m becoming (want to be). This is a very thought provoking ‘share’. Thank you!
My choice: I definitely want to be a thermostat (but I do still find myself a thermometer a bit too often).
That’s a lot going on; Enjoy a well deserved #7!
Posted by Andie on June 23, 2011 at 4:06 pm
It sounds like you are certainly noticing the changes and are having a hand in shaping your direction. Sounds phenomenal. Keep moving forward and take time to celebrate the WOWS’s!
Posted by Andie on June 24, 2011 at 9:40 am
I am looking forward to Tracy’s next post this weekend to hear about how she is beating the UN’s and conquering #7. I have the utmost confidence in her that she will be triumphant! :O)
Posted by Stephanie Faris on June 23, 2011 at 9:22 am
I think with anything in life we have to make that decision to change. My husband smokes and he’s been trying to quit. It drives me crazy that there’s nothing I can do except support him when he succeeds. I’ve come to realize that the choice has to be from within US…often outside forces just drive us deeper into ourselves.
Posted by Andie on June 23, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Great points Stephanie. We really cannot make anyone do anything can we? We all have the opportunity for individual choice. Good luck to your husband. My sister got hypnotized and hasn’t smoked for 20 years Whatever works, I guess.
Posted by Ron on June 23, 2011 at 9:53 am
Excellent post, Andie!
Well, I would truthfully have to say that I am both the thermostat AND thermometer.
Sometimes I reflect my environment whether it’s hot or cold. And other times I am the thermometer, setting my own standard.
Challenging, indeed!
I agree, people don’t just magically change. We have to make a conscious decision.
Again, excellent post. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Tracy! Great guest post, girl!
X
Posted by Andie on June 23, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Thanks Ron. I am honored to be here as a guest post for the day and to be part of the chameleon community. Hmmmm…. you sound like a chameleon too! By the way Ron, you make me smile and laugh every day I read your comments. Love to see and hear you here! Thanks for sharing your cheers and spreading the happiness!
Posted by Carrie on June 23, 2011 at 12:57 pm
HI Tracy and Andie,
This is a wonderful analogy and certainly Rick Warren’s writing can give you some great analogies that just find you, and always right where you need to wake up your awareness. I love this post. LIke Ron, I can be both. Sometimes even though I am a thermostat most of the time, I make the choice to appear to be a thermometer in a given situation. It is not always the right idea to be the bell ringer, and somethings do need the time to percolate, and sometimes others need to find the opportunity to grow and become a thermostat too.
Posted by Andie on June 23, 2011 at 4:11 pm
Great to see you here Carrie! That’s an interesting and thought provoking point. In certain situations maybe it is okay to let someone else control the thermostat (or at least let them think they are controlling it!) Ha.
Posted by Bridgesburning Chris King on June 23, 2011 at 11:43 pm
a thermometer on the beach of laziness..brilliant!!! I am in awe of your talent!!
Chris
Posted by Andie on June 24, 2011 at 9:41 am
Remember we all have 500-600 individual talents. Keep sharing yours!
Posted by Kalli on June 26, 2011 at 10:53 am
wow tracy you have been busy! hope you get some down time soon 🙂
Posted by Andie on June 26, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Hopefully this weekend! See #7 on the UN page. :O)