Who’s feeling ready to spring forward with the upcoming time change March 10th? Asking me to feel “spring like” when they rob me of an hour of sleep is a bit of a tall order. The person selling me on the fact that I can get an hour back in the fall and can make up for the sleep debt in 6 months must not have been a parent or ran a business. I feel victim to society’s love of Daylight Savings Time, and the circadian change that is forced upon this unwilling subject.
All jesting aside, change can be difficult. I’m currently reading Diagnosing and Changing Organizational Culture by Kim S. Cameron & Robert E. Quinn. It has challenged me to think about change and the culture I’ve created and influenced. Some of this culture isn’t – and hopefully I can soon say, “wasn’t”- healthy. It’s worth considering the question, “What’s the culture of my family, organization and community?” Then to ask, “How must I change in order for the culture around me to change?”
Here are a few questions that you may want to consider:
- Are my life actions congruent to my values?
- What am I doing that needs to stop?
- What am I not doing that I need to start?
Rather than vocalize my dislike of the time change, maybe I can learn and promote a healthy sleep practice or promote the positive perspective on the increased afternoon hours of daylight and what that can afford in evening recreation with my family or friends. If we embrace the changes we face, perhaps we can create a healthier culture in our community.
Changing the subject, there is some great information and events on our winged neighbours throughout the paper. I must confess that my knowledge on birds is miniscule; I can recognize crows and magpies (well maybe a bit more than that). It’s an area that I’m endeavouring to learn more about this year. As we look forward to spring, the robins that nest in my yard will sing and wake me up with the rising of the sun – paying no regard for the alarm clock and the conspiracy of daylight savings time.
From my family to yours,
Lowell Harder
