My husband and I attempt to do everything possible ourselves. We did hire our roof done, because it’s a complicated and non-walkable roof and you have to do that right, but we’ve figured out almost everything else ourselves. (I do know how to install shingles on a simple walkable surface. My dad and I did our garage when I was a young teen.)
It’s a good feeling to know you are capable of such things.
Dominic, I really enjoyed this essay. I am a master delegator and my reflex, when something is not my forte, is to ask the most skilled person I know to do it. There is a suspicious correlation between what is not my forte and what I do not like doing. But your essay reminds me that when I do attempt something that I wouldn't ordinarily try to do––fix something I've broken---and I succeed I feel good about it.
Really appreciate your closing sentiment, my friend: “I’m committing to becoming more self-reliant in this next phase of my life. I hope it will not only make me feel better but also serve those around me.” So much good arises from this recognition.
Dominic, it was a pleasure to read about the ingenious cyclist, your forays into self-reliance, and your thoughts about more self-reliance in schools. With all that generative artificial intelligence offers at our fingertips, I fear that the speed of abandoning self-reliance is only increasing. As I read your essay, I was knitting a sweater! Best, Meg
My husband and I attempt to do everything possible ourselves. We did hire our roof done, because it’s a complicated and non-walkable roof and you have to do that right, but we’ve figured out almost everything else ourselves. (I do know how to install shingles on a simple walkable surface. My dad and I did our garage when I was a young teen.)
It’s a good feeling to know you are capable of such things.
Dominic, I really enjoyed this essay. I am a master delegator and my reflex, when something is not my forte, is to ask the most skilled person I know to do it. There is a suspicious correlation between what is not my forte and what I do not like doing. But your essay reminds me that when I do attempt something that I wouldn't ordinarily try to do––fix something I've broken---and I succeed I feel good about it.
Really appreciate your closing sentiment, my friend: “I’m committing to becoming more self-reliant in this next phase of my life. I hope it will not only make me feel better but also serve those around me.” So much good arises from this recognition.
Dominic, it was a pleasure to read about the ingenious cyclist, your forays into self-reliance, and your thoughts about more self-reliance in schools. With all that generative artificial intelligence offers at our fingertips, I fear that the speed of abandoning self-reliance is only increasing. As I read your essay, I was knitting a sweater! Best, Meg