Many hands make light work

This past weekend we had a major work day at my lake house. I was so impressed at how we pulled together as a community  and made heavy and hard work seem like fun. We worked from 8 am to 4 pm splitting wood and stacking it. This was from 4 pretty big trees.

Holy 5 cords of wood Batman!

We broke for about an hour for lunch which we all shared in the process of making. As we sat and pondered whether we should finish the big pile of wood that awaited us we laughed together and all took a collective sigh. I am one who doesn't do well with pausing and then resuming  work. I was all for stopping work for the day so that we could go and relax in the sunshine. Luckily I was overruled.

I was so impressed by my fellow community members who rallied and got us all going again. Although I was frustrated at first, when the work was done, and I realized we don't have to schedule another day to finish it, I felt a big sense of relief. I am so glad we finished the work on the one day vs slacking off and playing.

Throughout the course of the day, some of us were in charge of splitting, others of us were in charge of distributing and stacking, while others did the clean up work of the debris we made. Those of us stacking formed a line to make the task easier and continued on with our laughter and conversation as we plugged away at the (what seemed like) never ending piles of wood. Ever the physical therapist, I was quick to remind everyone to change direction and position frequently, to hydrate, and to remember to stretch a bit when we were done. I was completely exhausted after a full day of movement that I am not used to, but it was a really good accomplished exhaustion.

I still think it's good to spread work out on occasion. I can't say this epiphany will change how I manage my own work/life balance. It did give me a different perspective to think about though and I realized once again just how grateful I am to be a part of this community. I learned the value of completing a daunting task in one moment and the satisfaction of seeing the work done.