When Small Changes Become Habits

I have always heard that if you do something different or new for thirty days, it becomes a habit. I never believed that until I actually tried it. When small changes become habits, something very cool occurs.

During my very first season working in Georgia in 2015, I pushed myself to do a few things I normally wouldn’t have done back home to keep my sanity intact. Being away from my home and comfortable surroundings for three months, I faced various changes all at once. I went through days of sadness, joy, and appreciation, missing my loved ones, and discovering an eagerness to explore. It was quite the roller coaster ride of emotions, but I have to say, I developed new habits that I am so very welcome to have acquired.

First new habit: I read more. I was without Wi-Fi or cable, so, naturally, I went through major TV withdrawal. Luckily, there was a video shop in town I could zip to for movie rentals. A wonderfully adorable bookstore downtown called The Bookshelf became a new favorite place to visit when I craved a new cookbook. Then, I stumbled upon the town library! I got a temporary library card and checked out all sorts of books. Some days, I would hang out at the library to use their Wi-Fi and chitchat with my new friend, Larry. He would wait at the library for his ride home after a long morning of work. I’ve never been much of a reader until I picked up the habit. Now, it is all I want to do.

I also discovered several old cookbooks in storage at work. There were some beautiful gems from the 60s with faded photos of egg and head cheese aspic, ambrosia salads, and other old-school food trends. It’s so interesting to me to see how our food prep, ingredients, and presentation have changed over the years. Nonetheless, these recipe books are historical to me. I will cherish them from this day forward!

 

Second new habit: I learned NOT to check my social media every other minute. I had a weak phone signal where I stayed during the evenings, and not being able to answer a message or read about all the cool stuff being shared or just reading the news made me lose my shit a little bit. Then, after a few days, I was fine. I had gotten through social media detox. Rather than cry over not having access to it, I would head to the library or step outside and take in the beauty around me. I would enjoy the sounds of the critters with whom I shared space. If I found a lizard in my house, I would take it outside. I shared space with lots of ladybugs too. I never wanted to harm them. After all, it was I who was their guest.

Third new habit: I learned how to slow down. Everyone in this small community is extremely kind and no one is ever in a hurry. The streets are filled with polite drivers. I would have full conversations with everyone I encountered . . . from the butcher to the barista. I couldn’t help but wonder if these people were truly happy individuals. They sure seemed at peace, and I wanted to feel the way they did. Once I realized I already had that within me, it felt amazing. I have even come to know new local friends who have inspired me to create some fantastic Southern/Asian fusion dishes like this one!

I miss this place every time I leave, but I’m always excited to get back home to my beautiful family. Four years later, I can say I have kept the habit of reading and scheduling downtime away from screens. These habits were much easier to accept because I had no choice BUT to accept them. Now that I have Wi-Fi and TV with cable, I can enjoy them when I like. But most evenings, you will find me with my fingers on my keyboard, working on something new.

What small changes became new habits for you?

 

Until next time, beautiful Georgia winter.