Thick Skin

Creative, energetic, sensitive, artistic, idealistic, stimulating, tasteful, imaginative and stylish are just a few of the adjectives often used to describe folks who turn wood and create works of art. So when someone doesn’t appreciate our efforts, it is very easy to become offended.

I seem to be that guy that learns most of the important lessons the hard way. Many years ago I remember trying to be more than fair with a customer for whom I had done some custom woodwork. The job needed to be done regardless of the cost so we had not set a price up front. When it came time to settle up on the bill, I simply said just pay me whatever you think it is worth. . . HUGE mistake! I’m pretty sure he wasn’t trying to take advantage of me, but his idea of the value of my time and energy was miles from my idea and in the wrong direction. I simply chalked it up to a valuable lesson and have not made that mistake again.

I don’t sell finished goods very often anymore because there just isn’t as much time to make things as there used to be. But occasionally Sweet Janice will talk me into selling something special, or a customer at a show will see an item I’ve turned and will really try to talk me into selling it. When I quote the price I would be willing to sell an item for, the most common reaction is something like “That seems a little high.” Or, “I didn’t realize it was that expensive.” Or, “Are you out of your #$@^& mind!”. Sometimes, however, I get the opposite reaction and they either buy it for the price I asked for, or make a reasonable counter offer. I was recently offered $20 cash for one of my finished Christmas Ornaments about an hour before I actually sold the same Ornament for $150. The first fellow didn’t understand the value I had placed on it.

Either way, I’ve learned not to be offended whatever the outcome. Sometimes I’ll overhear customers examining some of the display pieces I have at various events. They are not always kind and full of praise. Some folks act like I’m invisible although I may be standing right in front of them and can clearly hear every word. Believe me, after demonstrating in front of about a million folks during the past 10 years, there isn’t much I haven’t been asked or overheard. And yes, some people even question the validity of my answers and advice. Hard to believe, but it’s true. My advice to you is to smile and keep your mouth shut. Don’t react and say what you are actually thinking; you can’t take it back once you say it.

If you watch much of the news or internet news sites, it seems that everyone is so easily offended these days that you can’t say anything without offending someone. How about we all grow up, grow a pair, and not get emotional when someone says something we disagree with? I remember the phrase “Live and let live” and a little thing called the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. If you will adopt the “I have Thick Skin” attitude, you will fret less, worry less, feel better about yourself and just generally enjoy life more. Because, wherever you go, there you are.

Here is my inspiration for this message:

James 3:2 NIV

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

Psalm 119:165 KJV

Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

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