Life in a box... kicking quarantine’s Ass!

One thing I’ll never be in life is beaten. I’ve been through more than most since day one on this earth. Brain damage and 2 torn arteries in my neck couldn’t kill me, divorce didn’t take me, Afghanistan couldn’t shake me (and all that is just scratching the surface), so 2020 sure as hell ain’t got a chance!

I’ve always been an over achiever in most aspects of my life. I tend to dive deep into things I’m working on or participating in, I volunteer for everything and tend to over extend myself 110% of the time. I always have to be the best, or at least the best I can be and definitely better the person next to me. It really doesn’t matter what it is!

I fail though, all the time. I work so hard at things and in my mind they are extraordinary and above reproach. I mean “obviously” they are not, and I am not.

I tell my kids there is no point in doing unless unless you do it right or strive to be the best at it. I’m not the best looking (well maybe), I’m not the fittest, I’m not the tallest, I’m not the best cook, or carpenter. I fail as a dad, I suck at relationships, my conversation skills lack depth, and I’m not even the world’s greatest blogger (but I am the second). I don’t really care though! Because I try and give it my best attempt at all cost.

Although this time has been discouraging! My workouts have not given me a six pack, my first bird feeders were sub par, and my first booth sale was a hard lesson. I’ve worked tirelessly walking and working almost everyday to get ready for this booth sale and I failed miserably on my first try!

But I learned, which is important. I never, ever, (mostly) make the same mistake twice. As my boss and previous bosses and other people will tell you; I am a good learner, I take notes, and most important I apply what I learn. Even if I fail I keep trying and I don’t get discouraged often. Things did, however, improve on the 2nd weekend and it was not only just a financial success, but a moral victory as well! There is something about people appreciating and enjoying what you’ve put hard work into and the pride of putting effort into a product that you created and another human saying “oh wow I like that!”

Having friends and family stand behind you and support you has also been a great boost of confidence. It’s funny because I’ve spent the last 20 years of my life doing what someone has told me to do, not really creating something solely of my own. But I was born with that heart to create and be myself, and now I’m finally getting that opportunity to do that and it feels amazing.

Don’t get me wrong this is obviously not a new career path, but coming from a man who never had many hobbies, and someone who’s identity was based on who I was at work or as a father! These last few months for me personally have been a blessing in disguise. I will forever choose to embrace this little part of me that creates and grows instead of being stagnant and sitting by aimlessly performing a mundane routine with little passion.