I was on my way back from lunch after attending mass on Sunday when my radiator exploded. I was craving Chinese food and drove a little out of the way to get my "fix". Somehow on the way back to my apartment, I began to smell something burning and noticed smoke billowing out from under my hood. I thought this can't be good especially since I'm acutely aware of the health of my truck and take excellent care of its maintenance. I decided to drive slowly rather than pull over on the highway and managed to park safely in my garage. I opened the hood to see that the original radiator had finally cracked and was spewing the caustic smelling smoke. I guess the internal pressure was too much for the brittle old plastic housing. After allowing then engine to cool, I set out to find the best solution.
Thanksgiving is this Thursday and I had volunteered to drive a family friend back home to Dallas to be with our families. I needed my vehicle to be in reliable condition for the 400 mile round trip. I checked a few sites on the internet that asserted the simplicity of changing out one's own radiator. Next, I gathered a list of the replacement parts, their costs, and began planning the logistics of the job. Fortunately, I have alternative transportation with my motorcycle; however, some of the required parts were too large and heavy to carry. The Universe smiled upon me and sent a friend to help secure the needed supplies.
In my research I found that one can save up to 30% by purchasing the parts online; however, due to the urgency of my situation I decided to buy from a local parts store in favor of getting things done. I also investigated the costs a mechanic's shop would charge and found prices ranging from $450 - $800. After securing the replacement components (roughly $200), I awoke the next morning focused on my mission. Like a surgeon performing an operation, I set to work by removing the plates, shrouds, and grill to gain access to the damaged components. I drained the old coolant into a bucket to prevent a mess from pouring on the ground. Curious neighbors watched as they walked to their vehicles. After removing a few bolts, clamps, and hoses the old cracked radiator was removed and replaced with a brand new one with a 'life time' warranty. A new thermostat was installed and everything was ready to be put back together. After flushing the old coolant out, some fresh coolant was added and the engine drank with such thirst as to say "Thank you". New perspective was gained, and faith in myself grew stronger. Whether it's repairing a dishwasher, dryer, vehicle, or simply working on yourself, I believe the key to success is having the right mindset.
Self-confidence is trust or faith in oneself. This comes from successful experiences. A person with self confidence is able to rise to meet new challenges, take control of difficult situations, and accept responsibility if things don't work out. In the absence of confidence, courage is needed to summon the strength to venture into the unknown. Together these two components affect one's self esteem, or the individuals overall confidence in their worth and their abilities. It is the cognitive and emotional appraisal of our worth. It grows when we live up to our own ideals and follow our own path.
"In the absence of confidence, courage takes over. Confidence operates in the realm of the known; courage, on the other hand, operates in the realm of the unknown, the uncertain, and the fearsome: you cannot be a confident swimmer unless you once had the courage to lose your footing in deep water. Courage is more noble than confidence, because it requires more strength, and because a courageous person is one with limitless capabilities and possibilities."
― Neel Burton M.D.
“He who has faith has… an inward reservoir of courage, hope, confidence, calmness, and assuring trust that all will come out well – even though to the world it may appear to come out most badly.”
— B. C. Forbes
Thanksgiving is this Thursday and I had volunteered to drive a family friend back home to Dallas to be with our families. I needed my vehicle to be in reliable condition for the 400 mile round trip. I checked a few sites on the internet that asserted the simplicity of changing out one's own radiator. Next, I gathered a list of the replacement parts, their costs, and began planning the logistics of the job. Fortunately, I have alternative transportation with my motorcycle; however, some of the required parts were too large and heavy to carry. The Universe smiled upon me and sent a friend to help secure the needed supplies.
In my research I found that one can save up to 30% by purchasing the parts online; however, due to the urgency of my situation I decided to buy from a local parts store in favor of getting things done. I also investigated the costs a mechanic's shop would charge and found prices ranging from $450 - $800. After securing the replacement components (roughly $200), I awoke the next morning focused on my mission. Like a surgeon performing an operation, I set to work by removing the plates, shrouds, and grill to gain access to the damaged components. I drained the old coolant into a bucket to prevent a mess from pouring on the ground. Curious neighbors watched as they walked to their vehicles. After removing a few bolts, clamps, and hoses the old cracked radiator was removed and replaced with a brand new one with a 'life time' warranty. A new thermostat was installed and everything was ready to be put back together. After flushing the old coolant out, some fresh coolant was added and the engine drank with such thirst as to say "Thank you". New perspective was gained, and faith in myself grew stronger. Whether it's repairing a dishwasher, dryer, vehicle, or simply working on yourself, I believe the key to success is having the right mindset.
Self-confidence is trust or faith in oneself. This comes from successful experiences. A person with self confidence is able to rise to meet new challenges, take control of difficult situations, and accept responsibility if things don't work out. In the absence of confidence, courage is needed to summon the strength to venture into the unknown. Together these two components affect one's self esteem, or the individuals overall confidence in their worth and their abilities. It is the cognitive and emotional appraisal of our worth. It grows when we live up to our own ideals and follow our own path.
"In the absence of confidence, courage takes over. Confidence operates in the realm of the known; courage, on the other hand, operates in the realm of the unknown, the uncertain, and the fearsome: you cannot be a confident swimmer unless you once had the courage to lose your footing in deep water. Courage is more noble than confidence, because it requires more strength, and because a courageous person is one with limitless capabilities and possibilities."
― Neel Burton M.D.
“He who has faith has… an inward reservoir of courage, hope, confidence, calmness, and assuring trust that all will come out well – even though to the world it may appear to come out most badly.”
— B. C. Forbes
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