When was the last time you built something with your hands? Cooked a meal from scratch? Challenged your physical limits outside of the confines of the gym? When was the last time you did some quality, good old fashioned manual labor?

We live in an increasingly digital age, full of modern “conveniences” that have drastically reduced or negated our historically normal need to be skilled at manual chores and tasks around the home. Think about it: what do you do when you have a leaky faucet? Have a flat tire? A tree falls down in your back yard? Your driveway is covered in snow from a big storm and you need to get to the store?

For all the intelligence we’ve seemingly gained over the last century or so, we’ve also become totally disconnected with huge aspects of daily life that used to occupy a significant portion of our time. Just like all humans have a universal need to be good at some basic movement patterns and skills (pick up heavy, awkward stuff off the ground, put it overhead, squat DEEP, get off the ground, etc.), we should all strive to retain a basic level of capability in some rudimentary, non-didgital tasks.

Take pride in learning how to cultivate your own personal small garden; know how to change a flat tire, your oil filter, and some other basic automotive upkeep skills; know how to properly use a drill, swing a hammer, and generally be useful to someone who actually has a craft or trade; learn how to cook! not microwave, re-heat, or add boiling water.

There is something visceral and rewarding to making something tangible through your own sweat and toil. No one cares how awesome you are at twitter; however if you can make an amazing, homemade pumpkin pie, you’ve got my attention. What I’m saying is that we as a society need to spend less time living in virtual reality, and actual interact with each other and use our bodies and minds as they were intended to be used, critically reasoning and solving complex problems that involve both brains and physical prowess.

Here’s what I did last weekend- coached; rucked; went to the range, grilled copious amounts of meat and fresh produce; and was fortunate to spend the bulk of my time doing rewarding activities with people I enjoy spending time with. I’m not saying every weekend should be a historical re-enactment of the Lewis & Clark expedition or a Swiss Family Robinson adventure, but we can do apply ourselves more than we are doing now. Also, remember to be wary of any adult male or female who has super soft hands; they are probably of little utility and shouldn’t be trusted.

​Wolfie