A Vision Starts Somewhere
This past weekend I was home alone and was debating if I should attempt a project that has been sitting in the back of my mind for at least year. Laura and I have always had our own kayaks, and about a year ago we bought two more (great price at Dick’s sporting goods, just in case you’re in the market). Ever since, we’ve been storing them in the basement, along with everything else that man has ever created. Sound familiar? Check out Sharon Rowley’s “The Big Basement Challenge…”.
We could not get around the kayaks to get to anything else, so the piles in front of the kayaks kept growing. That’s not my personal challenge, yet…
Over the years I have put-up a shelf or two and sooner or later they would come down. I’ve watched YouTube , found the studs in the wall, used the mollies, etc…, and still down the shelves would eventually come down. Okay, not every one of them but most (had to clarify just so my ego doesn’t sustain too hard a blow). I have built many other things, including a shed from the ground up that is still standing 20+ years later – and yes, I’m only counting the things I built without help.
There is a bit of irony that I should let you in on. Laura, my wife is an excellent architect and pretty good with tools. I could have just had her build these shelves, but that wouldn’t satisfy my manliness.
Truth is that this has nothing to do with being a man, and everything to do with my desire to recreate the way I perceive myself in this situation.
If hired someone to build it or had Laura build it, I would be telling myself that I see myself as “less than”. This would be worse than having the kayaks fall down on me –it would be me falling down on me. I’m not giving up on me ever and neither should you.
On Saturday morning after I woke up, I did a CoreConnecting meditation to set my intention to not fail and not quit on the project or myself. For those of you are naturally and beautifully skilled builders of all things, this is an hour job, at tops. For me it was a three hour job. Let it be known that as part of the project I was determined not to buy any wood. I was planning use an old wooden stage that I built (yes me) with my stepson Quinn for his band and our backyard concert a few years ago (also performing was Jen Chapin-must hear).
During my building session I ran into some complications which caused me to rebuild the shelves twice and question myself and my ability many times. When these thoughts came up, I kept telling myself that this was a dream of mine for over a year, and I was better than just giving-up. There has to be a way and I am that way. This kayak stand is possible and it’s my vision and effort that will make it happen.
Finally, I lifted the fourth kayak to the top of the shelf and it held. It was sturdy and it was FABULOUS! I DID IT!
And, by the way, I got so inspired that I cleaned the entire basement. WOW!
I was not going to let my doubt sabotage my dream, and I was not going to let a little adversity make me throw in the towel. I’m better than that. We are all better than that.
What’s your vision? What’s your dream? Small or big it doesn’t matter
Are you ready to take a leap? RISK IT ALL
