Challenged To The Core - Del Brixey

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life? That everything around you was spinning out of control? I am here to tell you that you are not alone, I am right there with you. My latest ordeal was over a tree, a “seventy-one and a half foot” tree to be exact. I know it doesn’t sound like a big deal, but trust me some of your problems probably don’t seem as big to others as they do to you either, so bear with me as I tell my story. This winter, the “tree” of my discontent was blown over, but like most problems left unattended, things got worse over time. It became wedged in the top of another tree hanging precariously far above the ground. For the last few months I have examined the situation from every angle and sought advice from people far more capable at handling “tree” issues than I am. However, with that said, I am also stubborn enough to believe that there are some problems that you have to tackle by yourself. I carefully weighed all the advice I had collected, crafting my plan of action up until the very last moment when I introduced my chainsaw to its newest victim, the “tree”. Here’s a brief synopsis of what I learned from my ordeal.

Talk is cheap... “Do you really think moving the nets will matter, what if we…?”

Talk is cheap when you want to make a problem go away. Day after day I talked with people about my situation, but merely talking about the “tree” never got it closer to the ground or onto the wood pile. It stood or should I say leaned far above me like a giant laughing at the little people far below. The more I talked about the problem, the more it bothered me. I knew that I would eventually have to deal with it, but for the moment I was more comfortable seeking the opinions of others instead of doing something more positive, like taking action. Talk was definitely cheaper than what I would have to invest to solve the problem, but talk wasn’t getting me anywhere at all.

Remedies cost... “Do you know how hard it is to move those nets? We are really tired.”

Tree removal is expensive even if you do it yourself. You have to expend time, energy, and sometimes even a little green to “git-r-done”; but whatever the cost it’s far less expensive than paying the emotional price of being frustrated, angry, resentful and sometimes even bitter. Uncomfortable or not you have to pay the price, one way or another to solve difficult situations. If you don’t believe me ask your doctor how many people come to them with high blood pressure, anxiety or even sleep disorders because they are not dealing with important matters in their life. It may be a relationship with a family member, a co-worker or a neighbor that slowly eats away at them until it affects their health. There are so many trials in life that are far easier to overcome if we are just willing to pay the price.

Excuses abound… “We’ve tried everything and besides it’s getting hot, the water is rough and...”

It almost goes without saying that excuses are plentiful as to why we don’t face our “trees”. The “trees” become bigger than life; they are too big, too dangerous, or just too wicked to deal with. We can even start having nightmares about “killer trees” that can swallow grown men in a single gulp. Seriously, it can happen if we refuse to deal with the “trees” in our life. Our excuses allow us to drift aimlessly along in life without purpose or accountability because we blame everything bad that happens on the “trees” that impeded our progress years ago. Sometimes we just need to quit whining and get a grip or better yet a chainsaw so we can cut “tree” and make some toothpicks.

Exercise helps… “What do you mean I’m out of shape? These nets are heavy Jesus…”

“Trees” also provide us a way to get in shape. I didn’t realize how physically challenged I had become until I was gasping for air after running, okay slowly trudging up and down the hill studying the “tree.” Day after day, my legs, my lungs and my stamina improved. It was like a free membership to a gym in my own backyard. Believe it or not, the exercise also improved my mental outlook. The tree became smaller and smaller in my mind. Being in shape mentally and physically really does help us deal with our “trees”. I am now ready to take on a whole forest if I had to, but don’t get any ideas. You have to deal with your own “trees”. I can offer you advice, but remember talk is cheap!

Solutions energize... “We’ve got fish! Would someone get over here and help this net is full!”

Now that the tree is gone, I have been searching the landscape of my life for other projects. The renewed energy has restored my confidence in myself. I know in my head and in my heart that I can handle any “tree” that comes along. God helps me every day to overcome my personal insecurities when I decide to show up. Who knows you may see me some day on Ax Men or Extreme Logging, okay maybe not, but I am energized by overcoming my “seventy-one and half” foot tree. Any guesses at how I know how tall the “tree” was? That’s right I measured it! And when you cut down problems in your own life, don’t forget to measure your success either. It’s a great reminder of what you accomplished and it will give you courage the next time life drops another big old “tree” in your lap, on your house or even in the life of those you love the most.

Okay, like I said “talk is cheap.” Now it’s time for you to “check your pulse”, fire up your chainsaw and get to work taking down those problem “trees” in your life. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, but don’t fall into the trap of wanting others to do the work you need to do either. Remember, almost everyone needs a toothpick after dinner. Let’s keep them supplied.

Del Brixey
“Extreme Logger”

CHALLENGED TO THE CORE
P.O. BOX 414
LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA 92352-0414