Putting Holes in Walls

One day when I was about 14 my Dad was sitting in our kitchen and staring at the wall. 

After several minutes he left the room, came back with a sledge hammer, and announced that we really needed a bay window in the kitchen.

He then proceeded to put a hole in the wall.

Within a few days we had a beautiful bay window.  

It was a whole new kitchen.

I asked my Dad how he could just bust a hole in the wall (an OUTSIDE wall) with no plan. 

He said, “What could I break so badly that I couldn’t fix it myself or get help if I needed it? The worst that could happen is it costs me some money and I learn how to put in a bay window.”

Are you willing to put holes in your walls?

What’s the worst that could happen? 

What might you learn?

Comments

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Wow, that's a powerful thought. I've always been a bit afraid to just starting "creating" something without a plan, so this is a liberating thought to me. Thanks for sharing it!

[ann michael]

Thanks for coming by, Phil! My Dad is a neat guy. You'd like him. He's 81 now and still putting holes in walls.

I've learned a lot about taking risks and staying connected to the world from my Dad. My Mom wonders when he's finally going to grow up. I hope he never does.

[Starbucker]

Hi Ann - I read this post and it reminded me so much of my father, now 74, who only until recently was doing carpentry work for his friends and family. He actually did carpentry on his days off from the police force, and he loved to knock down walls and take on challenges. Thanks for reminding me of this and I hope your Dad never grows up too! All the best.

[ann michael]

Hi Starbucker!

It's really neat how people influence us as we go through life - even if we don't realize it. Nice to see you.

Ann

[Ellen Weber]

I love this story Ann! It is so inspiring, funny and serious at the same time. Some Dads... and the rest of us... likely would end up busting somebody's head with that sledge hammar. It reminded me of a Thoreauvian room I built onto the side of a home I owned so I could spend more time writing and reading. A lot harder than it looks! I like your dad's way far better than mine! Thanks:-)

[Rhea]

Very cool. I often lack the guts to make big changes and it drives me nuts!

[ann michael]

Rhea - I just went over to your site and it's really neat, fast-moving, informative, and fun! You sure seem like you have guts!!! Thanks for the visit!

[ann michael]

Ellen - I'm not even sure what a Thoreauvian room is - so I'm impressed!!!

[Nannette]

I love this!!! Good story, good moral, and something we all need to remember.

Nannette