Photo by Shadrach Warid on Unsplash

I wasn’t very handy growing up. Yet my father was a do-it-yourself kind of man. He took time to do things around the home. Practically, he was motivated to save money. He also enjoyed a challenge. Whether it was fixing dishwashers, vans, or branches (that’s a funny story for another day), he learned how to do it. One of his favourite expressions was, “Google is your friend.” Unfortunately for the family, I wasn’t at all interested in helping him because I was lazy. However, things took a turn six years ago. He passed away unexpectedly. I was motivated to do more handiwork because of the grief that followed. Doing handy things around my home became a way to honour my dad.

Perhaps from my dad’s prayers up above, I came across an impactful book study. It further motivated my quest to be handy around home. The book encouraged men to become generalists—learning how to do various things and skills. For example, the author encouraged men to budget their finances, take care of a woman’s heart, and nurture and grow something living. The book also inspired me to fix things and become more practical.

I took the challenge to be a generalist. I drained clogged pipes, tuned up bicycles, and changed car tires. It was June, and I was recovering from a sickness. I didn’t have the energy to do chores and I brought our car into the shop. I lost time (four hours) and money (not worth it) when they attempted to change the tires. Because they accidentally stripped one of the bolts, I took the car to another local mechanic for further repairs. More time, more money. This was the last straw, so I made the intention to change my tires in the future!

Luckily, changing car tires was one of the things my dad taught me. I decided to tackle this chore back in November. But to change them myself without any of his help, and to be on my own, was a little scary. I was afraid to make a mistake. But I channelled my inner dad, and researched the needed tools and equipment. I found a secondhand jack at an estate sale, and Canadian Tire had an amazing deal for torque wrenches and bolts. My father-in-law graciously gave me a power drill, and voilà! I went to town on the tires.

Throughout this process, my attitude shifted. Beforehand, I would’ve made excuses for home chores and small auto repairs such as “I don’t have enough time”, and “This is too hard.” But I pumped myself up (like you would a car tire) with the powerful “can” word, saying, “I can do this! I can give myself time! I can fix things!” And before you knew it, I drove my car with winter tires and felt supremely accomplished. This journey taught me that I love to problem solve, work with my hands, and do something handy myself.

I intentionally sought out to fix things in my personal growth plan this past season. I made a goal to change the car tires in the fall and I succeeded. This accomplishment changed my life. I overcame a false script (I don’t have the time and I am too lazy) to a freeing realisation (I can do it). It was healing and empowering. Is there an area in your life you’d like to grow? Perhaps take some time and see where you can intentionally grow this upcoming season.