Every morning I wake up at 4:00 am. No alarm required, my circadian rhythm forces my eyelids open. If it is a weekday, I have three hours before I have to get ready for work. If it is a weekend, I don’t have to be anywhere. Regardless of my opportunity for sleep, my mind focuses on my shop and I get out of bed anyways. My wife calls it, “that crazy stuff you do”. Perhaps she is right. Maybe if I go back to sleep, I will not insist on going to bed at 8:30 tonight. Too late, I am already awake I know where I want to be. But Why? Is it crazy?
The truth is, at 4:00 in the morning, I am king of everything. The rest of the world is asleep and I get three uninterrupted hours in the shop. If it is the weekend, I get four or five uninterrupted hours. No phone calls, no diapers, no one needing me to fix their problems. For clarification, I am very happy to be needed and feel very blessed to have a child that requires diaper changes. I have an amazing family, a wonderful hardworking wife, and great kids. However, everyone needs a little time to themselves. In the shop is where I choose to spend those early hours of solitude.
Not only am I doing something I love, but this time affords me a daily dose of self reflection. My morning is not just about building my latest project, it’s about contemplation. Its about having a conversation with myself. Why did I say that? How am I going to handle this? What do I need to do? Many personal issues have been resolved in those early hours. Woodworking provides an unrivaled level of tranquility. A cup of coffee, the smell of freshly milled walnut, it’s my own personal nirvana. That is why I do my milling before breakfast.
I totally understand Randy! Love that you found such a passion to create! You are so gifted in it and promoting it! But even better at loving others!
Thank you so much Mary Ann. I am thrilled you stopped by and thank you for reading this entry!!