Chapter 1: Acknowledging Vulnerability

In the aftermath of my mental health crisis, I found myself reflecting on just how far I've come.

"You'll need to ask your stepdad for help with that," I suggested quietly, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me.

"Alright, I'll talk to him," my wife responded, her voice tinged with caution.

Just a few weeks had passed since my mental breakdown, and despite being away from work, my struggles seemed to deepen. Before this challenging time, I took pride in my independence and rarely sought assistance—perhaps this was a precursor to my eventual breakdown. Admitting to my wife that I couldn’t tackle a few simple DIY tasks genuinely surprised her.

Yet, the truth was undeniable; I could no longer hide my limitations. I was unable to pretend I had the skills I once believed I possessed. The weight of my depression rendered even the most basic tasks, like hanging a picture, insurmountable. Though I wasn't a professional builder, my eagerness to learn had driven me to teach myself through countless YouTube tutorials.

Hanging a picture should have been straightforward, something I had done numerous times before. But on that day, I was engulfed in a mental fog that made it impossible to concentrate.

Ultimately, I surrendered to my reality, letting go of the fear of judgment for my perceived failures. If I hadn’t been so emotionally numb, perhaps this would have stung more than it did.

As I recount this moment, I feel a wave of emotion; tears stream down my face as I type. I recognize my vulnerability and fragility, a mere collection of flesh and bones, overwhelmed by an uncooperative mind. Revisiting these feelings is daunting, as I fear the possibility of experiencing them again.

I hope to never return to that dark place.

However, my reflections bring a positive revelation. I am currently about two-thirds of the way through constructing a treehouse for my children. This treehouse, which wraps around an ancient oak in our garden, stands roughly seven feet high, is weatherproof, insulated, and topped with slate roofing. It features a door that opens to reveal steps descending to the ground.

What fills me with pride is that it is still standing. I’ve managed to use approximately 90% recycled wood, along with fully recycled windows and slate tiles, and foil insulation. The only materials that are new are the screws, nails, and the semi-permeable membrane.

After checking on the treehouse during our first heavy rain, I was thrilled to find it completely dry inside. Upon returning home, my wife remarked on how much progress I had made.

Her words prompted me to pause and reflect. She was right; I truly have made significant strides. Ten months ago, I struggled to hang a picture, yet now I’m nearing the completion of a remarkable treehouse.

While self-acknowledgment may not be universally encouraged, I believe it's vital to celebrate achievements.

Great job, Rhys! Keep it up!

Or feel free to buy me a coffee here.

Chapter 2: Celebrating Progress

In this chapter, I share videos that inspire and highlight my journey.

This video discusses the significant improvements made in my DIY skills and how they’ve transformed my projects.

This video explores the exciting developments in the world of home improvement that motivate me in my journey.