If you are like me, habit is very difficult to overcome. Every day I take the same route to work. I have an apple almost every afternoon. I probably drink too much coffee and nibble on much more food than I should. And I walk the same path with my wife each and every day. Habits of all kinds ­ good and bad ¬ are difficult to shake. They seem to become part of us ¬ as we get older.

While reflecting on habits the other day, I came across a poem by Sam Walter Foss. The poem, written over 100 years ago, is entitled, "The Calf-Path" and tells a tale of a wandering calf. Over the years, sheep, dogs, men and horses followed the path of the calf through the "primeval wood." As you can imagine, it was a winding path ¬ the route a calf might be expected to take. From the early twisting route, evolved the main street of a village and so on to become one of the first highways.

In the conclusion of his poem, Sam Foss says,

"For men are prone to go it blind

Along the calf-paths of the mind,

And work away from sun to sun

To do what other folks have done."

Like the hordes that followed that calf, it is often easier to go along than to deal with the discomfort of challenging habits. I have calf-paths in my mind, and I constantly have to remind myself to get out of the ruts of habit. We have absolutely no right to be critical of what government is doing if we don't participate. Make no mistake about it, participating is not easy. After working all day, it is tough to go out to school board meetings, town board meetings, or political functions. And, the failure to be involved guarantees a government, school system, or even family life which will certainly bring dissatisfaction.

There are many ways to participate. First, when you next read or hear of some government or school board action you don't like, pick up the phone, and call the superintendent of schools, your legislator's district office, or town hall. Let the responsible official know how you feel. If you are uncomfortable about making a phone call, then drop the official a note to express your point of view.

Phone calls and letters have some impact. But, the most significant way to encourage change is to show up. By showing up, I mean taking the time to attend community meetings and to ask questions. And, do not attend community meetings alone. Bring several like minded friends with you. Your views will also be more carefully listened to in a political setting if you are not a lone voice.

It is a great deal more comfortable to stay at home and watch television than going out to a community event. Breaking that habit can be difficult. Breaking it can also be rewarding. By participating in the affairs of your community, you can change the path of that meandering calf.