Growing from the Gas Crunch

Never in my life (all of 37 years) do I remember a time when the price of fuel went so out of control so fast. It seems like I went from paying $2.25 per gallon to $4.00 overnight. Quite honestly, it felt like someone took my wallet. I have a six cylinder Nissan Maxima that gets fairly good gas mileage. I used to pay about $35 to fill up my tank, now it is $56.

I used to cringe each time I drove by a gas station until I began to think about how I could change this in my favor. What is in my control to do something about this? This just hurts. Is there a better way?. What can I do? As I put this thought on autopilot, something wonderful began to happen. A shift in consciousness began to take place. Drive less T Tagg. Consolidate your trips around town. Plan your routes ahead of time. It will be fine. You are actually doing something good for the environment. I thought about riding my bike to work, then I thought about the 100 degree summer heat and the probability of getting mowed down in rush hour Memphis traffic. Better think again, although many people are successfully riding their bikes to work everyday now.

Driving is still currently the best for me. To save even more on fuel, I made sure my tires were properly inflated, my oil was freshly changed, and my acceleration was smooth instead of drag racing style. I found myself playing a game. How many extra miles can I get on THIS tank? As a result, I am delaying my return to the pump by an extra 3-4 days.

Saving at the pump is an exercise in thinking ahead. I’m a visionary, so this new way of thinking plays right into my hands. What else can I do to save? Make it permanent. As the price of gas retreats quickly back to the $3.50 per gallon range, the temptation to drive more will be very strong. What good will this do? Put us right back into the cash straps! Will this ensure that we have $4.50 gas by next year? Ummmmm, no way Jose if we grow from the gas crunch.

Fulfilling the Need to Grow – I believe situations are presented as learning opportunities. What have I learned as the result of higher gas prices? I have learned that conservation is a priority where it wasn’t before. I have learned that I can function very well on less than I thought I could. I have learned that saving gas and using less total resources makes me feel great. I have learned that our survival will be based on how well we adapt to changing circumstances. I have learned that as we save and grow, more alternative methods and resources will be available to help us meet our conservation goals. I have learned that many people using just a little less gas lowers demand and that lowers prices. Most of all, I have learned that by doing a small part to help the environment and reduce my carbon footprint, I am contributing to the well being and healthy totality of the human connection. I am growing indeed.