Thermometer: A thermometer is a device that measures temperature.
Thermostat: A thermostat controls temperature so that it is maintained near a desired set point.
The thermometer reacts to the ambient temperature and tells us that it is hot enough to prepare a four-course meal without the use of a stove or it is cold enough to freeze any exposed skin in seven seconds flat.
On the other hand, we can set a thermostat on a furnace or air conditioner so that it is always pleasant in our indoor environment.
When they were little girls, I often asked my daughters if they wanted to be a thermometer or a thermostat.
Do you want to just react to what is going on in your life or do you want to set the tone of your life?
The” thermometer” goes up when everything is rosy, and it goes down when things are tough. It gives us an accurate picture of how things are, but I say it is a very passive way of thinking and acting.
The “thermostat” is set, and it remains steady in the face of the everyday problems that beset us and it even works during the occurrence of catastrophic events. It is a proactive way of thinking and acting.
I have always tried to be a thermostat. At home. At work. With friends and family. I sometimes falter but this principle has always seen me through.
In order to be a “thermostat”, you have to know, without a doubt, that you are in charge of your own life and your own happiness. For me, the rock that allows me to “become” this set point, is my faith in God. Period.
I am not perfect and I don’t mean to imply that I am. It’s just that I see the world around me and I want to tell people who are running around like sheep following this trend and that one, that there is a peaceful, joyful way.
Thank you so much for reading, and have a wonderful, maybe thoughtful, weekend. – Maureen.
Old Girl New Tricks 