The price of gas has risen to almost $4.00 a gallon in the past few weeks in Arizona. I've noticed that when gas prices increase, gas becomes the number one topic to gripe and complain about.
It's easier to blame, complain and make excuses than it is to change.
We complain because we are stuck in bad habits that are hard to break. We complain because we don't want to take 100% responsibility for our choices. We complain because finding fault is easy.
We complain because we forget how blessed we are.
Complaining destroys hope and creativity. Complaining depletes your energy and the energy of the people you're complaining too.
If you want to change your energy and become a pleasant person stop complaining. Don't give up your peace of mind over the price of gas.
I have created a ritual when I purchase my gas. I mentally create a gratitude list. I am thankful for my gas and for the capability to get out of my car and pump it. I bless my car and feel appreciation for all of the trips that I have taken. I become grateful for the gas itself for being in such abundance. I pay for the gas and cheerfully greet and thank the attendant.
Prosperity is a state of mind. It is an altitude to practice. There was a time in my life when I didn't have a reliable car and didn't have the resources to travel as freely as I do today. When my daughter Niki was four years old, she asked me why I didn't wash the brown spots off my car. She didn't understand you can't wash off rust.
Gas is a luxury we take for granted. When you are willing to practice gratitude it becomes second nature. You do it without even thinking about it. Your thoughts and actions reflect your appreciation.
We choose how gas effects our mood. We choose how to use gas. We choose how much gas to purchase.
The following are tips on how you can save money and cut back on your consumption of gas.
Drive a fuel efficient car.
Become a one car family.
Ride your bike more often.
Make sure your tires are inflated.
Don't drive aggressively accelerating and braking suddenly.
Slow down, the faster you drive the more gas you use.
Carry less weight in your back seat and trunk.
Use your cruise control to keep your speed consistent.
Use the grade of oil the manufacture recommends for your car.
Car pool and combine your trips when you run errands.
Get your engine tuned up regularly.
Three questions to ask yourself before you complain about anything:
What do I want?
When do I want it?
What am I willing to do to get it?
Choose to stop complaining. Focus on what you can do to change your situation. Appreciate what you do have and move forward toward what you want.
Please share your thoughts on complaining and gas prices below.
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Tess ~ I love your three questions to ask before complaining about anything! One of my favorite sayings to address complaints is: “If you’re not part of the solution you’re part of the problem”. At my old corporate job, people were often willing to speak out about a problem, but not willing to take initiative to create a solution — it was always “somebody else’s responsibility”. Nothing happens if we think we can’t make a difference. Change happens when we start with our own actions!
Sue,
That’s so true…nothing happens if we think we can’t make a difference. I never thought of it that way before!
Exactly! I always think if people directed their energy which they put into complaining into actually taking action, the world would be a much better place.
Alice´s last post…How To Succeed
This is a great post – thank you! Fuel in NZ has been climbing steadily for the last I-don’t-know-how-long and apparently it hasn’t peaked yet. I’ve become a lot more conscious about how and when I use my car and i am certainly going to put your tips into practice too.
I love your gratitude ritual when filling up!
xo
Kathleen,
Yes I think rituals keep my mind busy on something good! When we feel empowered we help empower others.
Complaining can either be a one-up position or one-down position. Regardless, the focus is on blaming others. It is so much easier to blame than it is to take responsibility for our part, but so worth it to strive to do the latter.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on what complaining hampers, and what gratitude invites. I’m picturing you doing your blessing at the gas pump, and that’s not something you see everyday
Marci | Liberating Choices´s last post…Show Your Worry Who’s the Boss
Marci,
I so know we forget how blessed we are. We will only see it when we stop complaining. Thanks for stopping by.
Personal responsibility – my favourite reflection. Fuel has no fail and either does money. We’ve created this system of exchange. We, the people, if we act together, can change this system. Australians take ‘sick’ days of work to extend their weekends or holidays. If everyone, at the same time, didn’t drive their cars for a week the governement would be forced to act to slash the price of fuel. They’d loose billions of dollars in fuel tax and the country would grind to a halt. No one driving, no one going to work, only emergency services vehicles on the road. This would work if everyone united. Revolution! We have too much and we’re too lazy to do anything to create change.
Simon Hay´s last post…Almost Home & Links
We are too lazy to create change. That’s an interesting point Simon. A lot of truth in it.
Great stuff Tess! Gas IS a luxury for sure and we really don’t realize how dependent on it we have allowed ourselves to become.
I love your tips! We have become a one car family last year and it is fun!!!! No more your car, or my car…. but our car
Also when we chose to buy a new vehicle we made sure something about it was environmental and since we couldn’t get a solar at this point, or other alternative energy, we went with partial zero emissions. All small things, but they add up to big stuff in the end.
Every single person can do SOOOO much to make the most of these changes and actually benefit from them, rather then get upset by the rising gas prices. Your post is a great pointer in that direction.
Evita´s last post…Book Review- Healing Through the Akashic Records
Evita,
You are part of the change you want to see in the world. Yeah for you. It’s not surprising you’re on the leading edge.
I have been thinking about writing more posts like this, too (see below). I’ve been so depressed with the economy lately. I who do not even watch the news. I realized it was mainly gas prices! But it’s terrible when you don’t want to drive an hour away to see family because of gas prices. So we did what you suggested. We didn’t just sit there, complain and take it. We got a new battery for our moped and my bike is in getting a tune up! I do need to drive a little with teenage children. I still feel a little bad but I’m better!! Thanks for a great post Tess!!
I can’t figure out my comment luv lately… But I just wrote a slightly similar post with two inspiring videos with men who have known adversity, cancer in particular. I call it Your Isn’t Just 1/2 Full, It’s overflowing. http://bit.ly/gVo35z
Betsy,
It’s easy to get dragged down by external circumstances. You’re doing your part. It’s important to stay positive. What we see outside ourselves is an indication of what’s going on within. When I’m down my thoughts aren’t in the right place. It’s going to get better Betsy. We’re in transition…birthing the new. It’s always messy at this stage. Hold a vision of a better world and keep doing what you’re doing.
I’m coming to check out your new post.
And she’s BACK! Another GREAT post – quintessential Tess Marshall. Thank you! Your words inspired me, and they’re so simple to follow. I see how powerful it is to switch one’s mindset (MY mindset) from noticing what’s wrong (and complaining about it – either aloud or in my head) to praising what’s right. Whatever we’re FOR strengthens us, and whatever we’re AGAINST weakens us. Thank you, Wayne Dyer, and thank you TESS MARSHALL!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…One-Day Healing Workshop w- Simon Hay and Oneonta Wellness
Megan,
LOL what you say is true. We create with our minds and lately we’re not doing to well based on external circumstances. You’re my biggest fan.
PS – PLEASE keep writing posts like this to encourage and inspire us. Now more than ever, I think our world needs these types of practical suggestions. It’s a tough environment out there, made manifest by our internal (mental) struggles. Your words can help keep us on the path of positivity!
Excellent post, Tess! What I focus on grows, so I focus on the good and grow it. Like you, I make a mental gratitude list..thank you for the pleasure and ease of driving a vehicle, for the money to pay for gas, for the place we are driving to..for the choice to drive instead of take alternate transportation. I invest energy in gratitude and love
Joy,
Keep investing in the good stuff, Joy. We’re all benefiting from it.
This is a powerfully expressed message, Tess. I love your ritual for getting gas. It illustrates how we can use any activity as a focus for transformation.
Might I suggest one more tip for the list: drive less (if you can, of course). You have touched upon that with “combining your trips”, but I wanted to highlight that. If we could all drive 1/4th to 1/3rd less on average, for example, it would add up to a significant difference. Power to the people!
Sandra / Always Well Within´s last post…1 in 3 Gluten Sensitive Could It Be You
Sandra,
Yes most of us can drive less. It’s so much easier to remain unconscious. Thanks for pointing that out.
Tess.
I really like the ritual of gratitude of pumping your gas. And I suspect, just staying in the moment with every action. Buying gas at the pump truly is a privilege in this world.
The one piece that is essential is for us to embrace public transportation (e.g., bus, subways, train). I love traveling outside the U.S. because the reliance and compatibility with public transportation are so palpable. All of us have lots of excuses of why we can’t do it here (inconvenient, poor scheduling, living a distance from a city) and again, we get to decide if we are willing to make that difference.
Thanks for reminding each of us of our shared privilege.
Susie,
Yes that’s a good point and one that’s not on my list. Public transportation! Thanks for adding it.
Hi Tess,
Wonderful suggestions we can all use. Had Ronald Reagen not dismantled all the tax benefits and legislation President Carter put into place to foster the renewable energy industries when he was president we wouldn’t be in this boat today. We’d all be driving cars powered by renewable energy sources and our country would be far less dependent on oil by now.
Thank you for this excellent article and tips!
Angela Artemis´s last post…Life is Not A Race – Go At Your Own Pace
Angela,
Thanks for sharing that yet I think it’s more important to stay in the present and focus on how to move forward and do better today. I appreciate you.
If we had to start paying true market price for gas, we would learn to conserve very quickly, I think! Check out gas prices in out countries, for example. I love the gratitude ritual. We can use that ritual any time we start to complain about anything!
Hmmm. Should we be grateful that our gas prices are cheaper than other places? I’m not sure. It allows us to go on being so dependent on this source of energy. Your post is a wonderful combination of spiritual (be grateful) and practical (properly inflate your tires). Love it.
Galen Pearl´s last post…I Named Her Lily
Galen,
Thanks so much for your input. I think we’re being forced to change right now. Which is what happens when we’re not willing to freely commit. Thanks for your wonderful compliment.
Hi Tess,
…and my bike is my friend!! Plus…I’m working on starting a program at work to encourage people to bike more (even if it’s just at home on the weekends…that’s a good start!).
My trunk: it’s filled with…balls (soccer balls). Luckily, they are light!
Great, great thoughts to think about as the gas prices rise. Even more, though, in my opinion, these are things we can do no matter what the price of gas does, and it’s all good stuff…
Lance´s last post…Explore- Commit- Emerge
Lance,
Yup these are all things we’re responsible for doing regardless of the prices. I missed making that point. Good for you and your work program. We’re slowing moving ahead because of people like you.
…slow…that’s me when I run…. {just sayin’}
Lance´s last post…Explore- Commit- Emerge
OK Lance me too…just sayin’.
Wow, I’m just getting around to reading this!! I love your tips, your awareness of gratitude. Last night at dinner, my hubs and I were also talking about the people we see online being so angry with the President for gas prices, and for his suggestion that we drive more fuel-efficient cars. Skipping the political discussion (no surprise there)
I’m baffled that people still look to someone else to fix their issues (as if they’re rather someone tell them lies to make them feel better), sidestepping personal responsibility. Thank you, thank you Tess. I pray I’ll never mindlessly pump fuel into my gastank again! Think I’ll go for a nice bike ride tonight! Love you and your wise words!
Jane Rochelle´s last post…Is Something Prickly In Your Way Take Time To Clear Your Path
Jane,
Your welcome Jane and I’ll be thinking of you in New York! Love you more.
Tess,
This post could not have come at a better time now that gas is quickly approaching $4 per gallon. Often I do find myself complaining about the price but I forget how much that expensive gas allows me to do. I get to drive to visit my family and friends. I get to drive to work to provide for myself and I get to drive to community events where I can change peoples lives. I am grateful for $4 gas.Great post!
Frank,
I agree we are so blessed. I appreciate you.
“We complain because we don’t want to take 100% responsibility for our choices.” I love that! It’s so true. None of is technically “forced” to consume gas, and it’s easy to forget that. The gratitude ritual reminds us that we are responsible for our choices, and to be grateful that we have them.
What a great post!
Amy,
So true buying gas is our choice. We are free to do it or not! I forget as well now and then.I’m grateful.
Thank you so much Tess
I read this post after I was complaining about everything all day today, it really made me think about my complaining problem. I need to learn to appreciate things that I have, at times I do, but then I forget and get back to complaining about everything. Thank you for all your inspirational wisdom words
Tatianna´s last post…Basic Home Workout Equipment
Tatianna,
I understand. I wear a wrist band on my hand that says No Complaints. When I catch myself I switch it to the other writst.
it’s fun that you’ve made it into a ritual. Great questions too.
Tammy´s last post…Getting Back on the Turnip Truck
Tammy,
I want to live FUN. It’s an attitude! Thanks for stopping by.
So true! We need to count our blessings and be grateful for what we have! Wonderful post!
Michele,
Stop by anytime. I appreciate you.
Hi Tess, thank you so much for stopping by my blog.
I actually wanted you to check out a new post I wrote, based on a documentary I recently saw called “Food Inc”, it was the most disturbing documentary about the american food system. I want to encourage more people to see this, I was shocked by what’s hidden from the public. I attached a trailer to the movie on my post, check it out when you get a chance
Tatianna
Tatianna´s last post…The Black Curtain Of Agriculture
Tatianna,
I saw the documentary. I will stop by anyway. That’s important stuff.
Tess you’re going in some interesting directions with your work these days…and I love it! Saving energy is a must not just for the poor drained planet but also for us fast paced humans. Your message reminds me that if the Earth needs to replenish itself I should also ground myself and come back to recharging my own batteries on a regular basis. When we do both it will make a world of difference! Be fair, be kind, be balanced, and only use what we need..makes perfect sense to me.
John Sherry´s last post…The One Question To Ask Yourself At The End Of Every Day
Tess, I love your tips and your inclusion of the use of gratitude. Both are necessary! it’s all to easy to get wildly frustrated and feel helpless to the situation of rising gas prices. In California there are so many surcharges added in that regular is around $4.15 a gallon and it makes my frugal heart ache. I have found that going without the car air conditioning helps tremendously with reducing the amount of gasoline used.
Aileen | Kaizen Vision´s last post…Stumble… Fall… Breathe…
Hi Tess,
Yes, complaining doesn’t really get us anywhere except into a miserable state of mind. I like to go with “what is”. In this case, the price of gas is what is no need to complain or change it, it just is. When we accept what is as perfect, it’s easier to be grateful for what we’re experience.
I love your tips for saving gas. I could definitely drive slower.
Thanks for the reminder. Loving blessings
Andrea DeBell @ britetalk´s last post…Awesomeness boot camp- demystifying our fears once and for all
Thanks for the post. I had to get a half tank of gas this week, since the prices have grown so much. Using these tips will definitely help me not feel the pain so much next time.
Bryce Christiansen´s last post…How to Get Noticed by Headhunters on LinkedIn
Good for you Tess. This habit of complaint you talk about so well here is deep in all our conditioning but there is something that is even deeper, isn’t there? Our own true presence, our own divine character, that never has anything to complain about in the first place coz it is already happy and already free.
Christopher Foster´s last post…It’s never too late to breathe like a child
I came out to my car this morning to find my gas cover dangling. Oh well – nothing left to do but see if I have any gas. I did. And it turns out that four other people on my road had the same situation. Must be some desperate person new at siphoning!
Anyway, thanks to my remembering that the person is probably doing the best they could in their current situation, I really didn’t feel that upset. I just went and bought a locking gas cap and went on with the day.
Man, have I changed. Little things like that used to really upset me. Now I just figure out the situation and the way I want to respond – in this case, just get a locking cap. It’s all good.
Lisa Stevens´s last post…Breathe
Tess,
.
Great post on two counts–I love what you said about complaining, and I always need a kind reminder that slowing down would cut my gas bill
Mary Jane´s last post…Reflections on Hero Worship
Prosperity is definitely a state of mind! I’m taking a class at my Unity church which teaches just that. It is truly amazing how the world shifts when you shift your mind about it. I’m going to borrow your ritual around the gas pump. Thanks!
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