Hello mi neighbour | Most things can be fixed

Dawned on me while standing in my bathroom a few mornings ago that much of life is about fixing things: life is unstable. Not static. Existence is in a constant state of flux, change, and unpredictability. Life is characterized by impermanence, where things can shift unexpectedly due partially to circumstances beyond our control.

This concept of fixing things encompasses both the literal, hands-on repair of physical objects and the ongoing process of solving personal and interpersonal problems. Agreed? This idea places emphasis on responsibility, maintenance, and personal growth through tackling challenges rather than dodging them. Follow?

The earlier we understand that much of our life is spent fixing one thing or another, the better we’ll be able to navigate life. Trus’ mi. We’re gonna have a lot of things to fix in our lifetime. And that’s for our own happiness, safety, and well-being. It would be wise to pay special attention to our attitude in the process – usually that’s where a lot of fixing is needed.

It was while standing in my bathroom that I discovered that a pipe had a slow leak! Oops, big bill! And I remembered that the motor vehicle needed bushing. I also remembered that a particular bill had not yet been paid (mus’ guh an’ pay it right aftah a finish writing this article ...), and the list went on and on. It was overwhelming. This “fixing thing” can really get to you, but don’t allow it to. You may end up as a casualty... with a greater need to be fixed.

Talking about greater need, I am remembering a man from St Mary with so many needs to be addressed/fixed, it could make you sick.

He is blind

He is hungry

Has no one to assist him

House is in dilapidated condition

He is unemployed

He is fearful

He is tired, and tired of asking for assistance in vain.

Sad, eeh? Ain’t it. Would you like to assist by helping him to fix something? Please call me at numbers below.

Then crossing the bòrder into St Ann we have another man with heaps of other things to fix:

Roof gone

He’s not well

He’s unemployed

Has no money in the bank

Relatives are far from him

He doesn’t have many friends...

Of course he is just one of the thousands of persons who have a ton load of things to be fixed. This St Ann neighbour also needs your help to fix some things. Please call me if you can and would like to assist.

So one may ask, why are there so many persons in this predicament? Having so many things to be fixed all at once? Well, maybe they were not active or proactive enough in their better days. it could have been laziness, misfortunes, misjudgements, or just not having a proper grasp on life .

And lemmi “fix gear” in another position here: Has anyone ever thought of the amount of money one could save and the amount of waste that could be reduced had it not been for our ‘throwaway culture’?

Are you sure that that stove, that refrigerator, and that machine cannot be fixed? Think! Save some money and reduce some waste!. Apart from putting more money in your pocket for a rainy day, the environment benefits, and you receive greater personal satisfaction.

To take it a step further, learning to fix items builds practical skills, fosters creativity, creates a sense of empowerment, and fosters community. Viewing life as a series of problems to be solved, and fixing them, works wonders for the soul!

Fixing one’s life involves taking responsibility for mistakes and actively turning situations around rather than adopting a victim mentality.

Not everything can or should be fixed. Sometimes, the wisest course of action is to let go, accept, or walk away from situations that no longer serve you.

Ultimately, whether repairing anything that is broken or navigating life’s challenges, don’t get frustrated over those kinks that you encounter along the journey. Most things can be fixed. Some things may take a little longer than others. And while the fix may not be to your liking at the moment, with time, you may be pleasantly surprised at the difference a little patience can make. If at the end of the day you are still unhappy with the fix, it’s time to take an inward look. Your problem could be your outlook. Could that need a little fixing?

KINDLY HELP A NEIGHBOUR WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Stove

2. Refrigerator

3. Bed

4. Food

5. Help with medication

6. Financial assistance to start a little business

To help, please call Silton Townsend @ 876 649-9636/876 884-3866 or deposit in acct #351 044 276 NCB. Alternatively, send donations to Hello Neighbour C/o 53 Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston 10; Paypal/credit card: email: zicron22@yahoo.com. Contact email: helloneighbour@yahoo.com. Visit hellomineighbourja.blogspot.com. Townsend exclusively manages the collections and distributions mentioned in this column and is neither an employee nor agent of The Gleaner.