COVID & Pink Nails

I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

This short Bible verse no matter how cliche some of the world has turned it to be has been my theme for the past few months.

I thought 2020 was going to be “lit” as the young people say. But its been packed full of surprises. Instead of wallowing in self pity and/or destruction I began doing projects around the house.

I’m one of those people that love to make list. But once I write everything down and look at the number of task on the list I get overwhelmed. Nothing gets done. When I do things without too much thinking, that’s when things get done. Backwards? Perhaps, but I can admit that’s just me and likely a few others too.

After moving in your first place,everything gets real. You can’t call the maintenance workers to fix broken things or make complaints. Its all now my responsibility. I kept looking for fair prices from companies to get the work done but most I found were crooks. $350 to mow the lawn (one time!), $600+ (toilet install), $10,000 for bathroom remodel. These prices add up and some were plain ole ridiculous. $125 for a toilet flange. (Home depot contractor told me that’s how much it cost for the labor). Labor of a $5 flange. I fussed and stood up for myself and thankfully I did not have to pay that.

Some people will try to take advantage of you if you’re a woman (men and women business owners. That’s just how it is, unfortunately. So instead of continuing to gripe about what I don’t have or needing someone (a man) to do so-called (“man-ly”) things for me, I took matters into my own hands. I figured, it’s my house so if I tear it up it’s mine anyhow to do so. Also, I figured it would help shift my focus off of what I can’t control. I could use my hands to create a vision in my mind and I could actually see it come to life. Now, the vision I see for myself does not always “look” like how I pictured it, bit when I look back at the “before” compared to the “after”, I smile. It’s quite satisfying. Isn’t this what God shows us daily about our life’s situations? That’s a yes for me.

Home Depot and Amazon have been my second home for the most part. I’ve purchased a drill, putty, gloves, paint, a sander and much more.

All of this was typically out of my character, but I wanted to focus more on the inside of me and my house. I wanted to turn my house into more of a home. Many times, we focus so much on outward appearance and what everyone else can see, its easy to hide the things people can’t see. COVID has truly been a humbling experience, I’m learning whats more important, self-care being one of them. Improving your space, not just living for others, But being alive, exploring, discovering what I really like and don’t like.

I like engaging in projects I never thought I could do. I don’t like breaking my nails and getting dirty. If I could do it all without these two, that’d be awesome:) But, I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. I truly needed it.

I’ve been hard on myself, but have learned to forgive the imperfections. I have screamed, became very frustrated at times. Trying not to compare with the you-tube gurus or HGTV. I watched hundreds of videos and realized those people must have some sort of niche that enables them to cut straight lines, and make everything look so properly mixed and painted. Either that or they edited the mess out of their videos before posting. Seeing women make and create their own sense of beauty within their space is so inspiring. Feminine, classy and creative. Looking at them, you’d never think they’d get dirty, break nails or accomplish any of these task. Is this apart of what a Proverbs 31 woman does and is? When I would read this chapter, I thought what modern day woman does all of that?!?! Still researching this one:). I love it.

My projects are not perfect but they’re mine and the story behind how and why I got to this point gives me added confidence and makes me feel as if I can do anything I set my mind to. Some things, I will have to go back and fix again but it’s all good. I’m just surprised I made steps to do it in the first time. We aim to keep it real over here:) So, if you want a huge confidence booster that will make you scream, make a mess and get dirty but also change your life and improve your space, take the mask and heels off, cover those nails and grab yourself a drill! I promise, you’ll have NO regrets!

Thank You Lord!

Two of the channels that have inspired me:

LifewithQueenii-(she remodeled her kids bathroom 7 months pregnant!).