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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – I was raised by a woman who said we didn’t need to sit around waiting for a man to do what we can do ourselves. Nonetheless, I’ve spent much of my life summoning a male to do things like fix broken gadgets, replace worn out things, and put together those “easy to assemble” items.
When something squeaks or creaks that shouldn’t, or a door or cabinet doesn’t close right, I search my mind for the man who can make it right. It’s not very 21st century, I know, but when I want to make changes around the house, hang a shade on a window, or remove a curtain rod and cover the holes it leaves behind, I think “man.”
My husband, I’ve found, is not this man. He is puzzled whenever I try to squeeze him into my image of a handyman. I’m fairly certain picking up a screwdriver isn’t in his DNA.
As a result of my failed search for a man to save me from DIY inability, I’ve taken on mom’s adage and put together a nice little tool box for myself. Almost every woman needs one, and this is why it’s a practical (and cost-effective) gift for your friends, sisters, daughters, wife, or mother. Notice I left out “girlfriend.” While you are on girlfriend/boyfriend terms, skip the tool box gift and opt for something more romantic. All others, go ahead.
My toolbox began as a simple storage bin with a lid that I picked up in the kid section at one of those big-box stores. It cost about two dollars. Although bright blue and red, it works out fine because when I see it I automatically think, “There’s my toolbox.” There isn’t any mistaking it.
Nowadays, more aware of sustainability and the importance of keeping our local shopkeepers in business, I would opt for an environmentally friendly recyclable container purchased at a smaller store, if possible. Choosing an attractive container is a nice idea.
Most of the time when I go to my toolbox I’m looking for one of three things: my lightweight claw hammer, Phillips screwdriver, or wood filler/putty. Soon I’ll be adding an electric screwdriver to this mix (another suggestion from mom). I also have pliers with a comfortable handle and a flathead screwdriver in the box.
From there, I’ve added things I occasionally need and want to easily locate: a light timer, scotch tape, packing tape, nails, tacks, hooks, sandpaper block, flashlight, batteries, small extension cord for use outdoors, staple gun and staples, plug extender, pipe thread tape, a putty knife.
In studies done on qualities in our lives that add to happiness, one that often comes up is a sense of independence. At first glance, you might not think a toolbox offers this, but it does. Not a rough and tumble kind of gal, I still appreciate having this toolbox that nobody else gets to access. (I keep it hidden, lest my nice clean hammer disappear.) And even though my autopilot thinks “man” when I need to piece together an “easy to assemble” item, I know I can do it myself just as soon as I get my red and blue toolbox out from its hiding spot.
Christina Grant, PhD is a holistic healer, counselor, and writer living on the California coast. Find out more about her at Christina Grant
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