Today, I faced a challenge that I knew was coming but had been procrastinating for as long as I could justify: painting the side of our garage. Sounds simple, right? Just a bit of paint, a brush, maybe a ladder. But for me, it came with an added layer of terror—I hate heights.
To set the stage, our garage sits slightly elevated, which means even getting to the side I needed to paint required positioning a ladder just right, battling uneven ground, and pretending I wasn’t picturing every worst-case scenario.
But let me back up. The side of the garage had been looking rough for a while. The paint was peeling, and a few cracks were starting to show. It was one of those “out of sight, out of mind” projects—until you notice it every time you pull into the driveway.
Step 1: Accepting the Job
After weeks of trying to convince myself that the peeling paint was a “rustic aesthetic,” I finally gave in. I gathered my supplies: paint, brushes, rollers, and the dreaded ladder. Sebas offered to help, but I stubbornly decided to handle it myself. Big mistake—or so I thought at the time.
Step 2: Facing the Ladder
Here’s the thing about ladders: they’re fine until you’re actually standing on them. The first few rungs? Totally manageable. But as I climbed higher, the side of the garage suddenly felt about three stories tall. I clung to that ladder like it was the only thing standing between me and certain doom.
It didn’t help that every little breeze seemed determined to test my resolve. The sound of the ladder creaking didn’t inspire much confidence either. But I kept going, focusing on one brushstroke at a time and trying not to look down.
Step 3: Finding My Groove
Eventually, something strange happened—I got into a rhythm. Sure, my heart was still racing, and I was gripping the ladder tighter than necessary, but the act of painting became… oddly therapeutic. Watching the fresh coat of paint transform the weathered wood made the fear feel a little less overwhelming.
Sebas checked on me a few times, mostly to make sure I wasn’t stuck halfway up the ladder. His encouragement (and the promise of coffee and cookies afterward) kept me going.
Step 4: The Final Touches
After what felt like hours (but was probably closer to two), I stepped back to admire the finished job. The side of the garage looked fantastic—clean, fresh, and almost like new. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a project through, even when it’s not in your comfort zone.
Lessons Learned
Here’s the thing: I still hate heights. That hasn’t changed. But I’m also proud of myself for tackling something that scared me. Sometimes, the things we dread the most are the ones that end up being the most rewarding.
Would I volunteer to paint the roof next? Absolutely not. But for now, I’ll take this small victory, along with a well-deserved seat on solid ground and a cup of coffee.
So, if you’ve got a project you’ve been putting off—whether it’s painting, fixing, or something entirely different—this is your sign to just start. You might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish (and yes, coffee and cookies definitely help).