Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Change isn't always easy


I’m actually really glad this week is over. Not wasting anything is impossible, especially if you live on a university campus where you never cook. I think this would have been more successful if I lived in an apartment or house since I could have use silverware and cook for myself. Also, I realized how much waste we use without thinking about it. For example, when I had my burrito on a plate and traveling mug, my friend used a paper plate, foil, and paper cup. Even the workers automatically pick up paper plates and foil to serve the food from fast food restaurants. It seems that our society teaches and, at times, forces us to use disposable products without any other option.
          By abandoning the elevator and limiting my use of transportation, I felt healthier since I was forced to walk and use the stairs. However, during some late nights when I headed back to my room, I wanted to ride that elevator. Taking the elevator really is an unnecessary convenience; however, it’s there when you need it after a long day. We mainly just need to use elevators in moderation instead of using it all the time.
For Easter, I made my parents walk and take the metro to downtown D.C. I enjoyed this much better than taking their car because we could talk longer and see more on the way instead of rushing to our destination. They enjoyed it too, besides being a tired after a full day of moving around the city. Since we weren’t separated in the car, we could more easily talk and form a better relationship since we had more time.
With my Facebook abstinence, I realize how important of a communication tool Facebook has become. Originally, I thought I would have no purpose for ever logging in. However, I had to go onto the website to check for a group project meeting and to see if I had to play piano for church. I still do feel that limiting Facebook is important if you are just looking at someone’s posts all day; however, you can’t cut it out completely because everyone uses it. Social networks like Facebook have become as important as the telephone.
My goal this week was to play piano every day, but that did not happen. Unfortunately, school work, other activities, and piano availability prevented me from accomplishing this. But when I was able to play, I really did enjoy it and lost track of the time. I wish I had more time for music, but as long as I find some time, I will be happy.
Being a vegetarian isn’t that difficult. The most difficult thing for me was ensuring I satisfied my hunger. I feel that meat ensured that I would always feel full; however, I did not miss meat. There are many non-meat food options, but the question arises whether it’s worth it. I feel that, if you want to eliminate meat, it would be easier to begin doing it gradually and try vegetarian options, like veggie burgers, which I completely forgot about getting. I plan on going back to eating meat; however, I will notice more what I am eating because it has now become a habit.
Overall, the drastic changes will not continue with my daily routine. I will probably return to my normal self. But I may keep a few things in my life, such as using the travel mug, making time for the piano, watching what exactly I eat, and use Facebook a little less. Changing your life needs to be practical so you can’t expect to eliminate Facebook, go play the piano all the time, avoid all meat, and not waste what-so-ever. A small change in these areas can greatly impact your life, your friends’ lives, and your campus’ life for a life perhaps worth living.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Brandon!
    I really liked your blog. The way that you changed your lifestyle was simple enough that it was still practical, yet significant enough to make you realize how absentmindedly we use things such as facebook and goods such as plates. It's interesting to think that we have become so accustomed to what society tells us (you need meat to feel full, etc.) that it impacts our own decision making, as we often accept the societal norm as fact. Great work!
    -Lauren

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  2. Brandon,

    I'm glad that you stuck with walking for Easter. That was a beautiful day and I'm so glad that you could spend it with your family. I am really impressed with your Facebook abstinence. My own attempt at going without Facebook was a major flop. I also really admire your strength with your vegetarianism. I know a lot of people have tried and failed to go for just the greens! I'm glad that it was easy for someone!

    Matty

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  3. Brandon I really how honest you were with your future prediction for "living deliberately". Most of the changes are classes made for the pat week aren't feasible in the long run. However, knowing your limitations, and like you said making small changes to your everyday life, can make a difference.

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