Many of us have an irresistible (or irresponsible) attraction to older things. Especially older things that whirr, clank and clunk. It might be a car, a Hi-Fi System (you youngsters can look that one up) a motorcycle, a house etc. I prefer boats, specifically, powerboats. I had some time to think about this lately when I was hanging upside down in the bilge removing 50 year old valves and thruhulls. Was it all the blood rushing to my head as I used every ounce of meager leverage I could muster on a two foot pipe wrench sandwiched between a bulkhead and frame that caused me to question myself? Why the attraction? I could have been at home binging Netflix! I am fascinated by the “why” behind every action we take and there is nothing like hanging upside down in the bilge to start you wondering about your “why”.
Provides a sense of control over some aspects of your life
So much of what we use today is either highly complex or intended to be tossed in the bin at the end of its useful life. Your smart phone for example, is highly complicated and for most people the extent of our ability to repair it is turning it off and then back on. If that doesn’t work, you’re doomed! This is a tradeoff I am willing to make so that I can have a smart phone. But if everything in my life were like that, it would lead towards a feeling of powerlessness and frustration. When I have some ability to repair the thing, then I feel a bit better. It’s that sense of control in your life that we seek.
Provides opportunity for a self-esteem boost:
C.G. Jung says, “Where your fear is, there is your task.” Normally we think of fears as big-ticket items such a fear of flying or public speaking. But we have many little fears as well and I have learned to use this quote to direct me in all aspects of life, even my boat stuff. As soon as I think, “I don’t know if I can do that” I figure I had better plan on getting to it. It isn’t always pretty, and frequently painful but when it’s done, it creates a sense of accomplishment I can feel good about. This challenge and the process of overcoming will improve how you feel about yourself.
Provides a chance for a bit of uniqueness
Much of our lives conforms and matches to the larger norms that surround us. Dipping a toe in to the old stuff gives us the chance to feel like we are at least a little bit different from the rest of the world. Being one of the few who can repair or rebuild something old puts you in a rare category. A category that is getting rarer as time passes.
Provides challenge-because it is there
Sometimes it’s merely the challenge that moves us to pick up a tool and see what we can accomplish. There can be a physical challenge of performing the work, or there can be a mental challenge of researching solutions to a problem before you start. Internet searches and phone calls, acquaintances and friends are all part of the network we use to figure out a direction. How about the emotional/temperament control needed when your fixing also involves others? Coordinating vendors and suppliers in today’s environment can be a bit frustrating at times. All of these challenges can provide a sense of accomplishment.
Provides Continuing Education
One of the benefits to being an adult is you get to choose how and what to learn. Much of our learning is absorbing new information either through video (think youtube) or reading. I’m a tactile learner. I read a lot, but the amount of knowledge I get from all my reading is far less than the amount of knowledge I will get from working with my hands on something. Much of the old stuff provides this opportunity without requiring a bunch of specialized knowledge before you start, and the rest you can learn as you go.
Provides a chance to blend the old with the new
Much of the new technology, while it can be great, is thrust upon us regardless if we want it or not. We have all experienced being forced to buy a “new and improved” item because the old one is no longer supported. For example, it is hard to find a basic phone these days. Most of us wander around with the computing power of the Starship Enterprise in our pocket. Some of the modern technology is amazing and useful, so I tend to blend it a bit. My boat may be 50 years old and built of wood, but I do have the latest in Garmin electronics. Just as I am sure your 1920’s craftsman bungalow has WiFi.
Give it some thought, perhaps your future…is something from the past.
Todd Powell Boats 