In the realm of personal empowerment, there is a fundamental lesson I strive to embody as the eldest child: When a task needs to be accomplished, take charge and do it yourself. My mother exemplified this principle in remarkable ways throughout her life.
For example, she once replaced a toilet using nothing but a butter knife and her determination. On another occasion, she decided the dining room drywall needed replacement; she simply punched a hole in the wall and got to work. The dining room remained in a state of half-repair for years, but she saw it through to completion, all on her own. Moreover, she single-handedly moved a hot water heater from the basement to the curb simply because it was necessary and no one else was available to assist.
It’s important to note that my mother is not averse to asking for help. When we visit, she warmly greets my partner with a list of furniture projects she would appreciate assistance with—always casual, with no pressure. Yet, there are countless times my siblings and I would hear her call for help from somewhere in the house, her voice strained, signaling that she was wrestling with a heavy carpet by herself.
If our family had a motto, it would undoubtedly be, “Get over here and help me with this.”
My mother’s proactive approach likely stems from a mix of impatience and a fierce independence that has seen her through many challenges, whether she was alone or not. Perhaps she struggles with impulse control, often underestimating the scope of her projects. Regardless of the motivation behind her actions—whether it’s a butter knife for plumbing, a hammer for demolition, or starting another endeavor without the conventional tools or help—one crucial lesson has been ingrained in me: It is irrelevant how daunting a task may seem or how long it takes; if I put my mind to it, I can accomplish anything by myself.
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In summary, my mother’s tenacity and self-reliance have instilled in me the belief that I can tackle any challenge independently. This lesson shapes my approach to life’s tasks and inspires me to take action, regardless of the circumstances.