Literally twice this week I was told, "You look too young to have kids that age." A compliment for sure and I totally appreciate that because I do have kids in their twenties. It, however, makes me think about where I'm at and where I'm going even more. Time is such a precious commodity, and I don't want to waste any more of it. I'm a middle-aged woman and am motivated.
I've always been one to see each day as a gift and strive to see
the joy in all things. With that, I've made huge changes in my life, and I want to share with the goal of blessing and inspiring you.
Not only are big changes happening, but big changes are also coming in so many ways. What does one do to help make all this upheaval palatable? For me, bring it before God.
I know I can't do this alone and while people try all they might to help, they are not my source of strength if I have my eyes, mind, spirit, and heart focused where they should be, on HIM.
PLANNING
Have you ever heard the saying, "if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans"? I'm going to talk while I use my workshop as my focal point today. First, this was taken before I planned (insert God-giggle, if you will) to make better of my workspace. back in June of 2022. I already built
my workbench HERE and my dust collector hood
OVER HERE.
While this may look like a hot mess, I use every bit of it for myself and my six kids. For two years I requested to build for my birthday or any reason, a large storage cart to put my wood in. I bought the plans, kept asking for a certain person to help, but in the words of Yukon Cornelius, "nothin'". I got tired of waiting, so I saved my hard-earned pennies until I have the funds to build. By the way, I purchased the plans at the beginning of that two-year wait for $10.
Why did middle-aged me want a wood storage cart? Well, because my repurposed curbside wood and crib rail storage rack was a permanent fixture. I need a mobile unit so I can actually work on my cars (we now have 8... yes 8). Now, before you go judging me, this scene is ever-changing.
Remember this was two years ago and during that time I reworked many things in this picture alone:
What is more, at this time I am also having the very breath knocked out of me in more ways than one. (
READ MORE HERE)
PURGE
Next, I am not a clutter-bug but use every bit and purge all.the.time. However, I have found that being in abusive relationships my entire life lends one to hang onto things as a way of protection and preparation. After having a revelation about
my family of origin a few months ago, I've been on the deepest, purest purge of all. It includes stuff
and people. My heavenly Father values me more than I can fathom, and I don't need people in my life to bring me down, to devalue me, and to use me.
Right after I took those photos two years ago, I gave away much lumber, cut up misfits for my fireplace scrap box, and kept what I wanted. In addition, I also sold things to help fund my endeavors. Enter in this past autumn. Realizing how my entire life has been shaped and ready/deeply needing to heal, I let go of certain dreams as a middle-aged woman.
GOODBYE CIDER DREAMS
First, that I would not get to move to the home with my children young my heart as ached for - a small country home with acreage and animals. Part of that dream was a small orchard and being able to make memories with my children. About 10 years ago, I sold prized possessions in order to be able to purchase this absolutely gorgeous antique press and fruit grinder.
Not only did the press have a story, but also this grinder had a lovely letter that came with it that told the heartwarming story of how it was used for grapes by the previous family and the uncle who was lovingly cherished.
The best part is that each of my children get a monetary gift when they purchase their first car. It's a large sum, but not the thousands it requires these days. After this sold, the sale price was the exact amount I needed to give my daughter whom I then helped purchase her first car debt free. Best feeling ever.
FOR SALE
And so, I have one memory of making 13 gallons of cider (from that 20-gallon press) with my children. It wasn't as glorious as I'd hoped because I was pregnant with my last and couldn't do much. However, I kept hoping for one day... Until this year. It's time to sell my beloved press and let go of my dream. God knew it too.
Initially, when I listed these items for sale as a set, people would offer me such offensive prices and even harass me for my asking price. They were offering me the same price as a
one-gallon press!! NO. It wasn't until a sweet gal reached out that I knew she and her husband were the only ones I would sell it to. Mendy wants it for her family to make memories with grandchildren and all. It completely breaks my heart to know those memories won't be mine, but I know it will be put to good use on their farm orchard fruits. Not only that, but they paid the price I asked and knew it was a gem to cherish, plus I made a new friend who sells the most delicious meats grown in a healthy way. (aside: I was aching to find another source near me and this was it!!)
What is more, if you look beside the press, you can see I finally got to build my wood cart for my middle-aged self after a two-year wait. However, that too just sold as my future is changing. I tried to sell it with very lowball offers for about six months. I wanted to, at least, make back what I invested in lumber and hardware.
A HAPPY ENDING
It's a beauty, isn't it? A woodworkers dream with endless storage and even an option to add a feature (that I didn't get to) that allows you to cut 4' x 8' panels in a snap. To make this story relatable, I want to talk to you about it - watch below.
Now, that's a blessing!! It's a crazy middle-aged adventure I'm on in many ways. My mind, body, and spirit are healing. Likewise, I've got much work to do on me.
Next, I have another area of my workshop that I also had been requesting help on for years. I could have done it all myself before, but never had the time. NOW is the time. In my next post I'm sharing more on that - stay tuned!
Finally, it's time for you to talk to me. Tell me about how you see your life changing, how God is working, how your life story is unfolding. When we share, we uplift and relate to those around us.
SHARE
Last, after leaving some comment love below, I invite you to pin and share my middle-aged and motivated story. Let's inspire and bring joy to others, shall we?
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