How Quickly We Adapt
Where I grew up, cold
weather was sort of the norm. I was an enthusiastic ice skater and hockey
player (though not a good one), and in those days, our outdoor ice rink would
close when temperatures hit -9°F/-23°C. We found that frustrating when
we'd have a couple weeks of weather colder than that where we couldn't go out
to play. In our youth, we were so willing to brave the temperatures to
socialize and have fun.
Widespread areas of the
United States are currently being impacts by cold weather. Even far south
areas of the country are under a freeze. And while it is not as cold
as -9°F/-23°C, leaving my house to go to work I wonder how I could have
ever enjoyed being out in weather like this when I was a kid.
I think most people are
pretty adaptable, and I am certainly someone who adapts easily. Moving to
the more southern areas of the United States (though don't let anyone catch me
saying that because I know this isn't the south!), I have to contend with
temperatures that exceed 102°F/39°C every single year. I blame it on my
lazy thyroid, but I can wear pants in that weather and not sweat. And
yet, I recall those short summer heat waves in my hometown, and how miserable
it was when we couldn't cool off the house. Now I can handle the hot but
not the cold. I am sure if I moved north again, it would reverse itself
again!
It's part of how our
instinct for survival is made, and not just physical but part of our entire
person. I remember back when I was still going through the immigration
process and couldn't work, but I was going to college full time. In every
off moment I had, I booked babysitting jobs, dog walking, taking care of
elderly people, cleaning houses and businesses, and even helping people do many
hours worth of ironing. And I used to think back and wonder how I managed
to go from day to day, hardly ever having a day off to just relax, desperate to
make the nickles and dimes, and all the while, learning new things in school,
like Spanish and economics.
And yet, here I am
today, almost in reverse, working full time, but going to school, plugging
away through courses, long days, volunteering and pursuing hobbies in my
precious off time. And I realize, we learn to adapt to our environments,
our schedules, our obligations and our strain.
I have a high tolerance
for annoyance, discomfort, and fatigue. Over a short period of time, I can
adapt to unpleasant conditions, high expectations, and even physical
discomfort. But it reminds me of the need to incorporate rest into my
routine. I can function on little sleep, but I function most optimally on
proper sleep. I can function with little recreation, but I function most
optimally when I can refresh myself with some good old-fashioned goofing
around!
I am grateful for my
resilient nature and adaptability (which I think comes from my strong
northwestern European background!), but I must be cognizant always that even
when I can manage, I can always manage better when I take care of
myself and incorporate rest, recreation and fun into my life as well.
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