Ever had to deal with something totally out of your control? Recently, a neighbor’s sympathy got me thinking about my unique situation: living right across from a noisy, dusty construction site. It's not exactly peaceful, but seeing kids turn a dirt mound into a playground showed me there's a bright side. Let's explore this mix of chaos and unexpected joy.
A neighbor I hadn’t met walked by the house and we started chatting. It’s never long until anyone I talk to tells me how sorry they feel for me because I am literally living across from a construction site with all that entails right now: Noise, dust, trucks, back up horns, grinding -- well, you get the picture.
So those of you who know where I live are aware of the major construction going on across the street. This project has been a source of frustration for many residents, myself included. A church bought the property, rezoned it to commercial, and is building two office buildings there. Last year I spent several evenings attending meetings with my neighbors: Zoning meetings, city council meetings, meetings with church officials, Department of Transportation meetings, you name it. We were one big meeting over here! We were working hard to get the project more neighborhood friendly. Realizing we couldn’t fight progress, and grateful the church was constructing something there as opposed to a less reputable business, we met and met and met to achieve some elements of compromise that we could all live with.
One Sunday I saw an SUV parked over there, and children were playing on the huge mound of dirt probably two stories high. They were climbing up to the top and then sliding down on what appeared to be pieces of cardboard. Dirty, dirty, dirty! Wow. But those kids were having a ball over there.
While the sight of children playing in the dirt might seem strange to some, it sparked a realization in me. It made me realize that they could be doing something cleaner, of course, but they were sure making some awesome childhood memories. Mind you, I’m not condoning taking kids to construction sites on Sundays to play. There are plenty of inherent dangers in that. Of course, safety is paramount, and I wouldn't recommend letting kids play on a construction site. But their uninhibited joy made me think about my own approach to this situation. Lemonade out of lemons.
Moving away might seem like an obvious solution, and, sure, I could do that. But I love my house, yard, and neighbors. And I’ve lived enough of life to realize that the people I’m surrounded by are priceless here. Good neighbors are hard to come by. Cherish them when you have them.
Dump trucks went into the site after a rain and muddied up my road. I went out the back way instead. More rain came later and washed the mud off. I’m sure that cycle will repeat itself over the coming weeks and months until paving time. I took my dog over to show her the big scary bulldozers and acclimate her to the noise. She met a couple of the guys working there. And the funny thing now is that I don’t seem to notice the noise as much myself after my visit with them.
Why do we spend so much time and energy worrying about things we have very little, if any, control over? I, alongside my wonderful neighbors, fought the good fight and the end result will be better. We saved two large oak trees on the property that are at least 200 years old. I asked over and over at every meeting for them to save those majestic oaks. Those oak trees are leafed out and doing their best not to go into shock. I do wonder if they miss their buddies, the poplars, gums, maples, pines, and smaller oak trees.
The construction may have its inconveniences, but there have been some unexpected benefits as well. I have adopted a stoic attitude about it all. I’ve accepted the process across the street, and, like the church, I’m sure, can’t wait to see the finished product. I’m paddling my canoe with the current this time. And my life is so much easier and simpler.
The experience with the construction has served as a valuable lesson in managing stress. When you face adversity and get upset, ask yourself if it’s really worth it? Because all you are doing is spiking your own blood pressure, adrenal glands, and other parts of your body. In other words, you are doing more harm to yourselves than the issue is really worth in the long run. Are you in danger? Do you have to fight? Do you have to flee? Then calm down and breathe. It will all work out.
I understand that some of you might be facing challenges that seem far more significant than a noisy construction project. You might be saying, “Well, you don’t have my problems in your life. Things are terrible here.” And the list goes on and on. Sure! I’m in a good place right now. I’m also older and wiser. I have definitely seen and lived my share of drama, hurt, injury, and trauma. I used to self-medicate, a LOT. I’m finding more calm, peace, and adaptability than ever before since I’m no longer numbing myself. I sleep well. I’m good with my own company. I’m just answering the people out there who feel sorry for me. This is temporary. I can deal with it.
Finding Calm in the Chaos
In the end, the noise and mess from the construction are just temporary bumps in the road. By going with the flow and staying patient, I’ve found a surprising sense of calm. So next time life gets tough, take a moment to breathe and ask yourself—is it really worth the stress? Everything will work out in the end.
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