Susan Cox
We’re starting a remodeling project at my house that includes the kitchen, and the process involves many steps. First, we had to decide what we wanted to stay the same and what we wanted to change. Once we had a general plan, we focused on more specific details and had even more decisions to make — flooring, cabinet type and layout, lights and where to put them, countertops, appliances, paint color, and windows to name a few. Before the actual work starts, we’re going to have to pack up and move the furniture, dishes, pots and pans, food, pictures, and anything else in the space.
While the remodeling is happening, our lives will be disrupted, there will be dust everywhere, and there will probably be many last-minute decisions to make. I’m excited and a little hesitant/anxious about this project. How will we manage with no working kitchen for several weeks? What if I don’t like the new layout? How long will it take to adjust to the changes? Will the remodeling prevent me from getting all my regular life responsibilities done? To deal with all these worries I try to remind myself that the disruptions won’t last forever and that we’ll have a nice new space when we’re done.
There are many experiences in life that are like remodeling projects. We plan, make decisions, move things around, deal with disruptions, and have some hesitation while being excited about the experience. For example, maybe you want to learn a new skill. First, make a plan for how to learn this skill. Are you going to take a class, watch online videos, or have individual instruction?
Then you can look at what supplies you might need and collect them. As you block out time for both instruction and practice, you’ll probably need to rearrange your schedule. This could cause disruptions for you and for family and friends. You may feel anxious about this process too.
What if I’m not any good at this? Will I even be able to learn this skill? How long will it take to learn and make improvements? To deal with these concerns, stay focused on the end result — learning a new skill — and remember that the class or other instruction will end.
Sometimes your original plan doesn’t work and has to be changed. Keep aiming for your goal even if you need to regroup and replan. Renovating the Crump Theatre is a great example of this. Several years ago, the community and owners focused on finding a buyer who could renovate and possibly manage the space. Unfortunately, no one stepped forward with this capacity, so the owners scrapped that plan. Community members suggested a new approach.
Instead of trying to find enough money to renovate everything all at once, various parts of the renovation would happen once enough funds had been raised for that part of the work. This approach is working, and the Crump has started hosting events again while still raising money for future renovations.
Are there new things happening in your life or changes you’d like to make that you’re feeling excited but hesitant about? Perhaps you’re changing jobs, working on a relationship, exploring different worldviews, moving, or making travel plans. You can follow this same process; just be sure to not let your worries or setbacks keep you from working toward the end result you’re excited for.
Susan Cox is one of The Republic’s community columnists, and all opinions expressed are those of the writer. She is an avid reader, an outdoor enthusiast, a mother, a grandmother, and an adjunct instructor of English at IUPUC. She can be reached at [email protected].
