Some of us do nothing but, grind away while punching the clock. It gets frustrating. In my case, sitting in traffic, babysitting kids who “think” they should be in the trades, working through injuries while still recovering knowing, that bike I walk past everyday won’t be getting ridden this year.
Life always seems to be full of disappointments and, the list keeps growing. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in negativity. Looking at life like it’s just an endless routine on the hamster wheel.
The other morning, I’m not sure what it was but, there was a change in my perspective. While driving my usual route along the Puget Sound on my way to work, I looked out across the water and, saw an eagle flying alongside my van. Twenty feet away and, flew alongside me for about a mile. It was the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time. I was stuck at home recovering from shoulder surgery for nearly 5 1/2 months and, just hung out in the garage ( I’ve been back to work just over two months). The weather is finally starting to improve so, I can finally start doing a few things outside.
Anyways, I got to work and, just started grinding away throwing pipe in the air. I realized, I’m not stuck at home on pain killers. Having someone else feed me. While at home post surgery I was able to work on my bike with one arm but, without stressing over finances. I just started thinking about all the good things going on. I’ve been doing side work and, as a result filling my garage with tools with the intention of working for myself in the not too distant future (fuck plumbing tools and, equipment is expensive). Fuck working for other people.
So, I guess it comes down to focusing on the small victories. The little things that matter to look forward to. Upcoming salmon season, summer is just about here, grilling on the cue. Looking forward to starting a business. Fuck, even the little squirrel dude that’s been coming around for awhile now and, hanging out in the garage with me. I’m thankful. I have to remind myself of these things from time to time.
Plumbing is a tough trade. It’s very hard on your body. Constant ladder work. Coordinating with other trades.
Understanding prints that make absolutely no sense. Working outside in freezing weather. Rain? Yeah, fucking rain. Mud. Heavy ass pipe. Brazing in tight spots and, burning yourself. I won’t bore you continuing this list. It can become mentally tough though. Dealing with pressure and, schedules.
The point of this thread I guess, is to ask you guys what it is that gives you a sense of well being when you’re at your wits end and, frustrated with the way life, work, the day or, anything doesn’t go according to plan. I was supposed to already be working for myself as of this past January. Hitting that tree, definitely put things on hold for myself with many things.
What are some of the things you’re grateful for to remind yourself, life ain’t all that bad.
I don’t want to hear shit about politics or, the upcoming election. More so, things we may or, may not have in common.
Happy Saturday. Have a great weekend fellas.
You’re “getting it”. I’m stoked for you.
My commute from the house in Dana to the plant in Redding is 600 miles if I go directly up I5 or 730-750 if I take my favorite route…along The Eastern Sierra/US 395
While I’ve always “enjoyed the drive” and take in all the sites like a little kid…driving 395 is like a vacation.
I started doing this during The COVID Panickdemic when Big City America was losing its fucking mind and people were getting crazy on the road and even the homeless insanity in L.A. was encroaching in I5 and/or The Hollywood Freeway (the routes thru L.A. going N/S).
During my Eastern Sierra Adventures, I rediscovered places I went to as a kid, routes I’d ridden a little bit over the years…and expanded on all that…I “ventured out” from there. I even went and got a coupl’a light ADVs…found amazing Moto/Raptor/Bronco routes…and enjoyed…still enjoy…real “discovery”.
Every fucking day of our lives offers us amazing opportunities.
I hope all of you find yours.
...with children out of the house, the wife and I are doing weekend trips around our local area...
...so, reconnecting with my wife has been a focus of mine and is rewarding...
...also, Grandchildren are amazing...
...my love for all things has been heightened since the Grandkids arrived on this planet...
Try to make a list and call out all of the things that you are thankful for every morning. Like all the things in your life that if they were gone tomorrow, it would not be good. It helps me. Also, I’ve started to wonder if all of these surgeries we get every time we go onto the knife under anesthesia. It messes with us leads to depression and other things.
The grind is the grind that’s why they call it the grind lol. We have to keep a positive perspective no matter how hard it is.
The Shop
I’ve wondered that myself. When I should’ve been thankful for having a spouse who had my back through all the ups and, downs, all I could focus on was the negative of everything. It actually got pretty dark for me. It’s not so much the, “ poor me” but, more of the getting tired of running against the wind. Just burned out overall.
With 2 young kids and the wife and I both working full time I don't ever seem to have free time to reflect on much.
After going to a cancer hospital every few weeks for a couple years with my 24 yearold daughter who at the time was battling lymphoma, going thorugh chemo, being in infusion rooms for 12 hours, being sick from it, losing every hair on her body and seeing all the people going through different stages of ever kind of cancer was very sobering and put things in perspective for me. I thought I had problems. Nope, all good hear.
She is in remission and has clean scans now. Her and her two little ones now 5-9 years old live with us while going to school and seek a carrer to be able to take care of herself and the kids. Their father disappeared when she got sick. Now just hearing the kids laugh or come to me to show me a picture that they worked on and seeing the smiles on thier faces is pure gold
.I was going to retire a few years ago, but it's on hold for now, Life with grandkids and everything they need is expensive.. My granddaugher slipped in a little bag of wasaabi snap peas into my lunch box this morning with a note that said "Have a good day at work, I love you grandpa" I see that and all my problems are so insignificant.
Good for you having gratatude for the simple little things in life. It's out there, we just have to recognize it and take the time to appreciate it. Spend time with those you love and ride when able, a day riding or racing with friends is priceless, be thankful for the health that you have. Not everyone has good or decent health.
Whenever I get whiny I think about the really tough life that our college kids have to bear. How do they cope? It helps me put things in perspective.
I know how you feel, im in the same position, but i try to take time out to enjoy something every now and then,
I should clarify that part of my busy schedule includes spending time with the kids . My 8 year old i and spend about an hour a day playing catch with the football until my 3 year old gets home and wants to play outside.
Starting the five minute journal for me was life changing. Struggled with negative mindset last 30 years, last 1.5 writing in the journal has reduced the amount of time I feel down.
Really like the story about the eagle. Month or two ago I was in a terrible mood, driving early morning and realised how beautiful the sun shinning on the tree's was. Made me realise how much you can miss when you are in a negative mood.
Good luck with the Salmon.
Fortunate that my jobsites are along a portion of the Tennessee river, and that Eagles, osprey, etc... are pretty much a daily sight.
Never tire of seeing them.
Also thankful for a partner who has been very good at investing wisely, so now we have two beautiful homes, in Tennessee and N.Carolina.
Numerous ohv areas nearby with endless miles of trails.
Now if it wasn't for this fucking cancer.
But...
Every time I go to the oncologist, I see people far worse off than myself.
That sticks with me anytime I bemoan what the treatments have robbed me of.
At least I get to walk out, and go home.
That's what I'm most grateful for.
Sorry, just hitting the like button wasn't good enough.
Awesome story.
🙂
And fuck cancer.
Being a farmer I am constantly under stress, working out and riding Juniper has been a great stress relief for me. Also been a volunteer FF/EMT for over 40 years. This is what keeps me grounded and makes me see how life can change in a flash. Hug a loved one and don't waste time stressing the small stuff.
So FF to yesterday, I went to Pala with my whole family, Wife, 2 kids, 3 grandkids spouses and in-laws. Everyone had a great time. I’m back to work making money and spending lots of time with our kids and grandkids. I really can’t ask for more than that.
Being back on 2 wheels is an obvious bonus, but motorcycles and mountain bikes, surfing, whatever fun shit you do, is all frosting on the cake. For me being healthy enough to pick up my grandkids and toss them up in the air (and catch them lol), chase them around the yard,Those are my “simple pleasures” that I’m grateful for. Anything past that ? Bonus count me in !
Best thread on Vital by far!
I wish I had an answer. As a 55 year old owner/operator of a concrete finishing business I know a bit about hard work. I get through the day by being grateful that I'm earning a living and getting a hell of a workout at the same time. I have days where I hate everything and everyone except my wife and kid. Riding/racing helps a ton. But I have to force myself to go as im usually tired from work. Life's a struggle. I enjoy pondering a simple life. Sell most of our shit. Downsize homes. Live simple. Etc. But I love my 300sx. 250xc. My guzzi. My duc. Our trip to Europe last November. Etc. Im super confused right now!
Pit Row
I try to put a bit of thought into threads I post. Some just to get a good laugh, self reflection or, trying to find common ground.
Since hitting a tree last September, I managed to dig myself into a pretty dark hole. Usually, the only time I’m bothered is when finances get tight but, it’s never been anything a little moon lighting wouldn’t fix.
I’m only 46 but, managed to bang myself up pretty good riding these toys with teeth we love so much over the last 38 years. Broken bones never bothered me and, scars in my opinion add character. This last one though not the worst, has taken the longest to heal. I’m not used to not just bouncing back. Being limited in my activities outdoors and, in my gym (garage) has been nothing short of frustrating. I can’t swing on my heavy bag, no bench pressing, over head presses, riding. I’m limited to calisthenics at this point and, losing muscle mass I worked hard at to build in the meantime. It’s disheartening to watch hard work wither away. In my trade, strength matters.
Watching the months slowly peel away on the calendar while recovering wasn’t easy. Being stuck in the house, I learned how much I hate crossword puzzle’s. Just about everyone I know, sent at least one. Though grateful for the thought, fuck those things. I have like 37 of those damn books. Groundhog Day for over five months. Same repetitious scenarios every, single day.
It’s really crazy to me how after returning to work, I carried some of the pessimistic attitude in my personal life to, the job site. My attitude kinda sucked. I’m usually the loudest person on site making everyone laugh.
Seeing that eagle, made me realize how messed up my perspective was. I swear that bird was looking over at me the entire time it was alongside my van. It made me smile for the first time in very long time. How could something so, random change my perspective when I was already in a shitty mood. Since my surgery, I’ve only averaged about four hours of sleep each night. Nothing helps. Nothing. It gets rough sometimes.
I was my problem. I was getting in my own way of being happy. Looking at the exact opposite of the things that matters most to me. The other things in life I’m thankful for. The simple fact I can lift my arm again for starters.
You definitely have the right attitude.
I’ve always thought that all of life’s challenges and opportunities add up to shape who we are as a person.
So I should be grateful for my wife who lived in her car for 7 weeks while I was in the hospital? Grateful for my 18 and 27 year old kids who come in everyday to tell me they love me? Grateful for the $75,000 my friends and community raised for me? Grateful for the friends who visit me regularly after 3 years of this nightmare? Grateful that I have 1 functioning arm and leg? Grateful for the 45° of visual field I have? Grateful that my brain is capable of thinking and reasoning? Grateful that I taught myself to build trout rods with one hand? Grateful that the ymca let's me in their pool for free to do physical therapy? Grateful the u.s. government held my taxes ive been paying for 40 years and now gives it back to me in the form of a disability pension? Grateful that after 59 years and a massive stroke, I have managed to put everything in perspective? I've been in bed basically for 3 years. In those 3 years, I have learned more about myself than I did the previous 56 years. I hope nobody ever experiences my troubles, but the world would be a better place if they did. Make time today to do whats important, because by tonight it could all be stripped away from you. So yes, I am the poster boy for gratitude. Thanks for the post, it's way more fulfilling than arguing about Jett, Deegan, and for God's sake, politics.
Last week my little guy got off the bus and ran down the sidewalk towards me ,backpack too big ,swinging back and forth . I realized it's one of those moments I'm going to miss severally when it's gone.
I'm grateful when I get out of bed and can function "normally" for a 59 yr old. Appreciating the simple things in life comes so much easier as I get older. One of the only things I wish was different in my life is that dogs don't live as long as humans.
Great thread everyone.Im always searching for a perfect compromise. Work.Play. family. Couch time etc. For me I often daydream about winning the lotto.It makes me feel good. I dont think of houses.cars. bikes etc with the a lotto win. I just think of xtra time to holiday with my family. Read more books. Play more guitar. Stuff like that. When I sit on my deck over looking the forest we live against I feel grateful and peaceful. Or watch a good movie with my wife and boy. I want to feel like that as much as possible. I wish I could bottle it up and use it at will.
I was in an EXTREMELY dark place around 4 months ago and it hinged on a court case that finally ended. The next day I put it in my head that I am DONE feeling bad. It’s fucking over and I’m not going there again….period! I can’t tell you how I did it and I’m actually shocked that it worked, but I must say ever since that day I am the happiest fucking go lucky person you will come across. I find joy n most things but the biggest thing is I let nothing bother me. And I mean nothing. I’ve never been n such a zone of contentment and I gotta say it was something that was long overdue.
I have some idea of what is going on. At the age of 64 I am seeing or hearing about friends/family or whoever not making it through the day. Unfortunately the older you get the more people you know are either passing away or in such poor physical condition that they lead a life of way too many limitations. I can still ride, i physically outwork guys half my age doing remodels, i have people who I love and love me….and that’s all I need. I have very little money but I never worry about money….ever. I’ve learned to appreciate being here on the right side of the ground.
I am VERY content right now and I hope to god this feeling last forever. 🙏
I was my problem. I was getting in my own way of being happy. Looking at the exact opposite of the things that matters most to me. The other things in life I’m thankful for. The simple fact I can lift my arm again for starters.
Took me a long time to realize I was/am my problem 99% of the time, and the other 1% I needed to handle better too. I need to be humble in prosperity, and humble in adversity.
clodog,
I had no idea of your situation. I’ve been trying to think of a good way to say this, but unfortunately this is all I could come up with.
Your strength is very inspiring. I’m glad you have strong loved ones by your side.
I wish you only the best.
Greg
Chance.... great post bringing it back to reality. The little/simple things.
Without getting into intimate details: For me, it's my inner circle (family/friends) that keeps me grounded.
Just had our first grandchild (boy) yesterday, it has only been 24 hours but to see your own child bring another into the world- kind of makes everything else just really not matter so much.
Having grandkids is awesome. I’ve got five.
Congratulations, and enjoy!
Post a reply to: Gratitude for the simple things