While the Work Is Happening

I didn’t grow up competing.

Most of the places where people talk about performance never really fit me.

What I’ve noticed came later — quietly — while working.

Sometimes someone will sit nearby while I’m building.

Not talking. Just watching.

I’ve felt it while setting tile.

Hanging rods.

Building the fireplace.

Nothing complicated. Nothing worth announcing.

But there’s a calm that settles in when the tools are moving.

The steps are known.

The body knows what to do before the mind finishes the sentence.

I’m not trying to be impressive.

I’m not thinking about the outcome.

I’m just present.

Every once in a while someone will say something small on the way out.

About the pace.

Or how settled it felt in the room.

I think people aren’t always watching what is being built.

They’re noticing how it’s being done.

There’s something steady about watching someone who’s at home in their work.

No rush.

No performance.

Just care, applied one movement at a time.

That’s not something you turn on.

It’s something you live into.

And if there’s any joy in it —

it’s realizing the craft carries more than the task.