Hello! I am new to the Be Jane community and am
excited to be among such kindred spirits! I thank you for the knowledge you have shared and encouraging words. I'm going to need them as I begin my journey.
I come from a family of dreamers and DIYers. Many in my family have built and/or added on to their own houses. My dad and brothers build custom chopper trikes and cars for a living. My older sister epitomizes a true “Jane.” She knocks down walls, builds her own cabinetry, installs bay windows, and knows how to refinish anything. I also share their creativity.
I think I have a knack for design, decorating, and sewing, and am a good problem solver. I have watched my dad as he worked on the house and cars, read countless numbers of home improvement books and articles, and have seen a lot of videos. My enthusiasm gets a Jane quotient of 5, but my experience probably rates a 1. As a young mother of 5 small children (ages 8 years to 7 months, gorgeous and joyous), I have not had a lot of time to spend turning my “book knowledge” into practical, experienced know-how. I know that to everything there is a season, but I would like to start helping my season along.
We recently moved away from my parents and siblings and no longer have the luxury of having someone else to rely on to do major projects, nor would I like to have to. My wonderful husband is a teacher, so projects have had to wait to be done in the 2 months he has off during the summer. Frankly,
I get tired of waiting for him! I have what I call, “My Book of Dreams,” my own portfolio of projects I would like to do (including knocking down walls, refinishing cabinets and wood floors, plumbing and electrical work, and finishing the basement.), complete with sketches of designs and ideas of the finished product.
I am tired of working around my house instead of making it work for me! I am tired of sitting and observing and not doing! I am tired of having my unfulfilled dreams pile up! I am ready to make my dreams reality! I am ready to get my hands dirty! I am ready to be empowered! I am ready to “Be Jane!”
Now where do I start?…
~Lydia
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Love your passion!!!!!
Heidi writes:
Sun, 03/11/2007 - 9:28am
Bless your heart! There are so many women out there that can relate to your story of wanting to make a change in their lives but not finding the time or ability to get started. We are so happy to tell you that you really can create each of these dreams and make your home into a place you love to live in.
You asked where do you start, you may not be aware of it but you already have! Just by choosing to let the Be Jane community and the world know you are going to change your home and your world you have taken the first step. What you do next is a matter of logistics.
What I reccomend is first thinking about which room in your house really doesn't allow you to fully live in it and choose one. Even if there is more than one, choose the one that bothers you the most. Then get the courage to make a hole in a wall that you want to tear down or literally put a paint brush worth of paint on one of the walls. These will actually remind you everyday that you need to step out of your comfort zone and get started creating the home of your dreams.
What we've learned is that for some reason we all, us as well, listen to the voice in the back of our head that tells us "you can't do that" or "it will take too long" or "you just don't have the time" and what controls that voice truly is fear which is nothing to be ashamed of, we all have it. The question I put up to you now is are you going to let fear control the way you live or are you going to create the home of your dreams?!?!
If you still find yourself uncomfortable to begin once you've looked around the house, then post up a picture of the room you are looking to work on and all of us in the community will help empower you enough to get started.
All I have to say is I know you can do it, just don't be afraid to ask for help. Just because it's called Do-it-yourself doesn't mean you have to do it alone, you've got all of us women out here cheering you on!
Heidi Now go make hole or paint that wall!
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