Overworked and Underpaid?

Imagine a young child spending hours sweating under the midday summer sun, digging a hole in the field next to her family’s yard. She sought treasure – anything from dinosaur bones or ancient relics to interesting rocks or even a snake hole. What did she find? Just clumps of dirt and wriggling worms.

Observing her dad mow their yard, their home situated in a newly developed area bordered by fields, the girl couldn’t help but envision herself taking on the task. Each week, her dad diligently mowed the whole field on the south side of their property, transforming it into what resembled a park. It took about two hours to maintain the yard and field, a responsibility the girl eagerly awaited.

This girl is me. I spent the first 5 1/2 years of my life as an only child. My mom, concerned about the potential negative impact of isolation, didn’t want me to remain alone. However, I relished my own company, I found joy in exploring the world around me and unraveling life’s mysteries–like how to be “responsible”.

Learning responsibility became an essential goal of my life. This is where my interest in lawn mowing proved invaluable. By the time I entered 6th grade, my parents deemed me mature enough to handle a lawn mower and perform the task competently.

I must have performed well because I was promptly entrusted with mowing my grandma’s lawn too!

Mowing her yard consumed most of the afternoon. Beyond mowing the front, side, and back yards, additional tasks awaited – rubbing the birdbath and replenishing it with fresh water, edging the rocks around her garden, and weeding the tulips.

Once everything was completed, I would stow the lawnmower away in the shed. After the mower’s noise ceased, my ears welcomed the tranquility.

Grandma’s neighborhood came alive in the summer. The cicadas serenaded from the tall old Norway Maples in the late afternoon. Nearby, the buzz of other lawnmowers persisted, complemented by the cooing of mourning doves and the hum of powerlines at the back end of her lot.

Lying in the warm cut grass after finishing all the volunteer work filled me with a sense of accomplishment. I was responsible. As I basked in the glory of a job well done, I couldn’t help but feel satisfied and accomplished. Sure, I didn’t receive any money, but the satisfaction of a perfectly manicured lawn was payment enough. And Grandma’s smile of gratitude? That was the real treasure.

Click here to check out other Sidetracked opinions

Click here to listen to the Overcoming Writer’s Block podcast

Want to create your own legacy? Join the Sidetracked Sisters and start now!

Ever thought about working with a Life Coach? Are you creative or a writer who is frustrated with your inability to do the work you so desperately feel called to do? Check out Lisa Hoffman Coaching.

#sidetrackedsisters #sidetrackedlisa #sidetrackedlegacies #legacywriting  #legacystories #writeyourownlegacy #LisaHoffmanCoaching