What was I thinking when I wrote these words? Exactly which of the new skills I am having to learn should be thought of as opportunities? How do I reframe the situation so that the things I am being called upon to do are positive activities?

My husband was always the barbecuer in the house and he did a darn good job of it until he didn’t feel comfortable using the grill anymore. So, I took over. Those first few attempts resulted in some undercooked or overcooked meats and charred vegetables. I could manage anything that was wrapped in foil, but to actually cook the food directly on the grill was beyond me. I did my research, kept trying, and 3 years after I took over as grillmaster I have mastered the basics. 

Negotiating with contractors was another task that usually fell to my husband. We would talk about work that needed to be done and then I would leave it to him to make the contacts and get things set up. As things progressed, talking on the phone became challenging for him and I was the one who got to make the calls. He would sit beside me, coaching me on what to say until the day I finally asked him to back off and let me do it myself. We still discuss things but I am the one who normally ends up working directly with the contractors whether it’s our lawn guy, our plumber or the guy who cares for our trees.

It’s interesting that as I am called to do more, I am growing in confidence to try more. Yesterday we had a low tire and, even though it took me to two separate tire stores, I was able to take care of it while my husband was napping. These may not be wonderful or amazing feats, yet they are things that need to be done and it is satisfying to know that I can do them. I don’t look forward to the day when it all falls to me, but I know that I will be ready thanks to the skills I am developing along the way.