It's a shame we live in a world where when a man has a problem everyone tells him to "just man up" or "pick yourself up by your bootstraps." or they mock him for struggling. Many of us, (myself included) find methods of coping. First 2 pics are some old hedge fence posts that were given to me. Most of them just need to be cut in half to fit in the burn chamber. I like the electric saw for this because I lay a few pieces out, then make 1-3 cuts, set the saw down. Then move the cut pieces out of the way and lay out a few more pieces. It's nice not having to pull on the starter rope. Especially since it's so cold out (9*F). Here is some big oak logs, and the 660 with a 25" bar. Some days are harder than others, but thanks for joining me today. I got the rounds split up but didn't get a pic.
Nice work! Sorry to hear you’re feeling down. We all have our own crosses to bear. Yeah, “man up” isn’t very helpful when you’re in a certain kind of persistent existential funk. You’re doing the right thing by getting busy and powering through, rather than diving into less wholesome activities.
At least the sun is out...lack of sun is half the battle for many people this time of year...that, and when it is out its still so cold most people won't go outside for more than a minute. Way to git after it!
Great work! And great heat ahead I definitely see the need for men to have opportunity to do life with others and help each other in bearing burdens. glad you got to work and glad you shared
Outdoor work is my therapy, too. Some funks are harder to climb out of than others. Keep at it, stay focused on the positives, and keep your body busy to give your mind some time to rest.
I get it, did same thing today! Do you know what kind of oak? It appears to be all heartwood, is that correct, all the sapwood rotted away? That looks like fabulous firewood! EDIT: I forgot to mention fenceposts. I've never seen anyone burn old posts as firewood. What a great idea! If I had been into firewood when I grew up on the farm/ranch, I could have done that, we used some fenceposts like that. They lasted a long time. We call hedge bo-dark (bois d'arc). I spotted an entire pasture full the other day, I hope to hit up the rancher and see if wants any gone!
Hey man. I'm just as guilty as most others in saying "man up" or "power through". I feel like that is the only option but it is nice to be able to get things off your chest from time to time. I don't think I've had much or any interaction with you here but feel free to message me if you want someone to just vent to.
Everyone needs some "mental washing machine" time. These work best for me: * Shooting my bow * Making firewood * Driving my tractor I always feel better after doing one of those.
Cutting, splitting, stacking, staring at a fire are all great cleansers for me. It’s probably the top reason why I went on an adventure for Pine over the weekend. All work and no play for too long and I’m thinking about how a mosquito sized drone could easily erase… oh nm. I am grateful our winters are short The wood piles tell me it won’t be long before I miss the days folks were handing over Benjamin’s and I’ll have more time to focus on perfect pull-ups.
We hear ya. It’s not easy. I can’t stand it when people say “just man up”. It is one of the worst things you can say to a man who is already overloaded and just looking for a shoulder to cry on. Real men DO cry, and that is something people need to understand. We aren’t machines that can just work 24/7. We have feelings, emotions, and needs. We have to be able to let our feelings out in ways that don’t hurt anyone or anything, and it get’s harder in the winter because it is so cold. (Supposed to be -20 or colder here for several days) Don’t hesitate to ask for help if ya need it. That’s what all of us are here for.
Anybody saying to just man up or to pick yourself up by the bootstraps is an unhealthy person. Healthy to share like you are. Make sure you have someone close to you whether family or a friend that you can check in with you and who you can share with. This can be a hard time of year, and manhood is under attack in our nation. Glad to see you were able to get out and do some therapy in the wood yard. I know it does wonders for me! I’m planning to cut wood with my brother this next Saturday
These types of funks are nothing to ignore. I have a couple people in my life that seek “help” with issues. Lately it’s been very challenging. First and most important step (imo) is simply talking about it. Another important thing is to have a support system. As a few mentioned above, if you ever desire to chew the fat, feel free to send a message or just post away. I’m more than willing to derail a thread. Best therapy for me is time behind bars (riding my motorcycle). That hasn’t happened in a long time due to weather so I turn to other outlets. Enjoying my music collection while sitting in a quiet listening environment, working on a saw or sharpening chain, hoarding firewood, sitting by the fire and gardening are a few. Find something that can clear your mind, that takes complete concentration. Kudos for gettin’ something done in this weather. I’ve had no reason to do it, or motivation. Some nice hefty rounds there! I’d imagine you can lower the rakers on that bar pretty far considering the powerhead?
If you're a God fearing man I say get into the scriptures. Psalm 55:22 (KJV) Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Also get doing what you're doing in your profile pic. I know that always takes my mind off things.
I’ll tell you guys and gals that splitting wood is usually a high point for me and the longer I go without cutting or splitting the grouchier I get. It must be therapeutic. I’ve described it as work with an immediate satisfaction of seeing the rounds go away and the splits stacking up. Definitely helps with a sense of accomplishment.
