Reflections from 6 Weeks of Physical Labor

After 6 weeks of moving rocks, LOTS of rocks, removing 11 shrubs, caulking and painting every door and window on my own house, I then painted my parents’ house. Needless to say, I’m a bit tired. Today, my work space is much more sedentary. And who knew the coffee pot could be heavy?!?!

Physical work allows for lots of reflection and learning from podcasts! This is what I gained:

-Huge kudos and awe to my friends who have careers that require daily physical labor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-I am grateful for my physical ability and I want to be as able bodied and minded as I can be for as long as possible!!!!
-Fuel your body and brain for the task at hand. My last day, I tuckered out. Then I realized, I had not eaten enough to fuel the work.
-Taking a break is important. We can’t always grind through the pain.

-Changing our daily routines is NOT easy. I learned I’m not as flexible in this area as I wanted to believe.
-As I have gotten older, I need more quiet than when I was younger.

-I still thrive doing meaningful work where I have well-defined responsibilities and the freedom to complete the quality I value.
-I greatly value self-sufficiency and a variety of skills.
-It’s important to not dwell on the imperfections. There will always be things that aren’t as clean, crisp, elegant as we would like.
-I love to just sit back and admire a job well done. A fresh painted house is the bomb!

-Having the right tools is always important regardless of workspace.
-Teamwork really does make the dreamwork. Having someone you trust to hold the ladder as you reach new heights is very reassuring.
-Having key people to support you while all you do is work is priceless.

-When you are overwhelmed with a huge project, remind yourself as often as needed, ‘just do the next step’. I said this COUNTLESS times moving rocks, painting window trim with and artist’s paint brush to get in the tight spaces from poor design/install, or days of dancing with the sun/shade to avoid tacky paint.
-Timing can make or break a project or a portion of a project. Don’t delay if you don’t have to. Start early or right away.

-I love listening to podcasts of people I know! It feels like I’m having a coffee with them and I get to learn more about them.
-Giving my talents as a gift allowed me to have more TIME with my parents!