Ohmystinkinheck

Details are important. It is the attention to detail that makes all the difference; it can turn the ordinary, extraordinary. It distinguishes one thing from another and yet, you might not even recognize that you are choosing “this” over “that” because of the extra effort put into the details.

Attention to details turns a “girl who can sew” into a seamstress. Attention to details turns a “person who can code” into a web designer or a programmer. Do you “mow yards” or are you a landscape architect? Do you “know how to paint” or are you an artist? Do you “journal for fun” or are you a writer? Do you “draw cute cartoons” or are you an Illustrator? Do you “simply make crafts” or are you a creative or a craftsman?

I’m not sure I would have been so detail-oriented if it weren’t for my mother. From our first x-stitch lesson to her recent bout with stripping multiple layers of outdated wallpaper in her new home, she is absolutely focused on being attentive to details. One x-stitch going in the opposite direction interrupted the flow - the pattern - the beauty of what was being created; she’d have me take it out. The second layer of wallpaper was not properly affixed to the wall, so it couldn’t be covered - it must be removed; she’s taking the time to do it right.

I’m thankful for these early life lessons - and the ones that continue through today. I don’t know how many times I heard, “Do it over and do it right” as a discipline redirect from my parents, teachers, and authorities in my younger years. Somehow that became permanently wedged in my big ol’ noggin’ and now I see it applies way beyond just what I do with my hands, but even how I live my life.

Attention to details.
If you don’t do it right the first time, make it right.

Did you hurt someone? TRY and work it out. Don’t pretend it didn’t happen - you missed a step, the flow is off, you left it unpolished…fix it. Mind the details.

Did you take on a responsibility and then didn’t give it your all? Procrastinated? Dragged your heels and only contributed a smidgeon of yourself to the task; dusting the details into a corner unnoticed by anyone but you? Why? Your best would have been better than brilliant.

Some things are irreparable, permanent, beyond mending. Still there are details to go about. The detail of learning; don’t do it that way again. Yes, attention to details means taking your failures and learning from them. Just as a seamstress can’t always recover fabric cut the wrong way, there can still be restoration - there is still a lesson to be learned; and hopefully some creative genius. It may never be the same, but it wasn’t left untended. And sometimes? Something is produced that is even more amazing than the initial plan - but only with a fine eye for detail, of course.

I woke up a few mornings ago knowing I had lost the attention to detail in a big part of my life. I was letting things go. I was leaving things untended. I was hurting those around me - unintentionally, but not doing what I needed to do to make it right for the next time.

The details were loosed.

I made an appointment with a doctor and with my husband by my side, I met that appointment and the office took care to gather up the details. From weigh-in, to temperature, to blood tests, to asking and listening … the details were layed-out.

Coming home I felt nervous - would this medicine work? Should I even take it? Will it help me see the day as a new beginning and not another 24 hour trial?

Yes, yes I believe it has.

Will it make everything peachy again?

No, of course not, but it has given me the desire to review and manage the details.

Step 1.

Details. Details. Details.

16 Responses to “Details”

1. nyjlm

   when a person is able to start seeing the details again, it is a beautiful, beautiful thing. I allowed myself to go far too long- a whole year- before being able to right the ship again. the gory details are here

   You’ll get the details and colors back- recognizing that you’re missing them is a huge step.

2. jamie

   Ah yes. The colour. i think I missed the colour the most. When that detail comes back, the rest just fall into place.

   You are not alone, you are never alone. You are cherished and loved by One who gave all just for you.

3. Serene and Not Herd

   I’d just like to point out that the ‘attention’ is just as important as the ‘details’.

   Sometimes the details overwhelm us, swamp us down so we cannot move forward. But the paying ‘attention’, devoting our time, effort, and focus of mind on the details, on the children, on our spouse is what matters, what causes change.

4. Katie

   Are you taking the plunge into anti-depressants? I’ve finally allowed myself to consider them, after about 6 years of thinking “well, if I just exercise and eat right, I’ll feel fine!” The problem is that I don’t have the motivation or energy to exercise and eat right!

5. MMM

   Hope things look up for you very soon. I have been there. It’s a dark place. “Waking up” again is such a beautiful thing. It’s a huge blessing, and very few things feel THAT good when it finally happens!

6. bethany actually

   My dad was the same way about attention to details. I remember him teaching me and my brother how to wash cars, and how much it bugged me that he made us go back and do things again, but I appreciate those lessons every day.

   ***Praying praying praying praying***

7. Geri

   Good for you — whatever was prescribed. I feel you when you say “24 hour trial.” I am perimenopausal and I go through a lot of really dark days, disgusted with myself and everything around me, not willing to do anything.

   Then, I have days when I see colors so well. What a rollercoaster.

   I did hear on a health news show recently that depressed people cannot perceive colors as well as shiny happy people. So it really hit home to read the first commenter!

   I wish for you . . . COLORS!

8. Just Beachy

   I myself had to take that step a few months ago after a friend committed suicide. I kept telling myself for weeks before that and a month or so after that I wasn’t depressed. I was adamant that I was not, but now a few months later I really see that I was. (I had been on medication before and was so proud when I was able to get off - that it felt like a weakness to go back on) Anyway, I am glad that I did because now I can see the colors and can move towards the details. I love that I found your journal. You are so honest and I appreciate that you remove your mask for us. thank you.

9. Jess

   Ouch…

10. Mrs. Wilson

    When I read “x-stitch” I was like, what the heck is an “x” stitch? OOOHHHHH, cross stitch! I’m an idiot.

    Good for you for seeking help! Details are great. I love details. I pay attention to details. Usually. I try to.

11. C

    Thanks for the insightful post.
    I would say “Attention to what’s going on” is just as appropriate.
    It seems it’s the holes we’re digging for ourselves (perhaps unintentionally) that we usually end up falling into.
    It’s hard to face facts and open our eyes, but life is much more fulfilling if we are fully aware.
    We’ll see the problems more clearly, but we’ll also see the blessings more abundantly.
    All the best to you.

12. mamalang

    I’m glad that you were willing to ask for help. Godspeed.

13. MR. OMSH

    Yuo now. their is 1 thing thet OMHS & i Love abuot each uther–we”re both atentuin to detill peeple!

    And I know what you’re going to say Heather…but I have to beat you to it and report that, “Everything CAN be a joke.”

    Truly, excellent post. I love you Baby. You make my heart smile.

14. christine

    I’m now resigned to the fact that I’ll be medicating to help with the details for a lifetime. Yet, that’s okay. That’s my chemical make-up.

    Thank goodness my doctor is a detail person! :)

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    [...] I’m manning the details lately, one thing was driving me crazy. I was unable to use my sink in my bathroom for all the [...]

16. B

    This was a great post. Lots of food for thought here.