Detailing as therapy

Phideaux

Phideaux

New member
Hi all,
This past weekend, I just finished detailing our new van and truck, to pleasing results. Of course, being up here in the Pacific Northwest, it started raining almost the second I finished. But let me tell you, the water rolllls off of those cars.

But more that getting our cars looking good, it was of some benefit to me. Two years ago, my wife and I lost our 4 year old daughter. As you could imagine, I've pretty much been in a funk since then, and nothing seems to hold any pleasure or enjoyment for me. My wife and doctor both urged me that I should try to find something that would be of interest to me, something that I could really get into and re-route some of this negative energy I have. I came here a few weeks ago looking for ways to keep up the appearance of our newer cars, and became hooked. I've been driving my wife nuts relaying the info I've been finding out.

So I picked up a few of the basic items and went to work. And you know, as I was working, I found myself totally getting into it, and the most I got into it, the further away my problems seemed. As a zenmaster would say, I was at one with the automobile. When I was finished, I had a renewed sense of energy, a "good" kind of tired, and visible results that gave me a sense of accomplishment.

And not only have I found an interest that will help me take my mind off of things, it may also make me a few bucks. While I was working, the guy across the street came over and wants me to give him a quote on doing his Dodge 3500 and his wife's Sorrento, and a lady down the street who is a realtor wants me to do weekly maintenence on her '05 DeVille. Wow!

Thanks everyone for all of the tips, tricks, and info. It's been a blast.

Cori Joy's website
 
It's great that it filled a very real need for you. It really is good for people.
I consider it my golf.:)

Charles
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I'm glad you found somthing.
I understand what its like for you, my brother lost his son at the age of 2. It did a number on my whole family including me. If you have ever thought about learning the guitar I highly recommend that as well.
 
I agree. Detailing is a very nice way for me to relieve stress and work out anxieties, as well as spend some time with my grandfather who enjoys tinkering with me out in the shop. He has gotten pretty interested with the whole detailing ordeal, even running the PC with some mild polish and pads behind the Cyclo & SSR 2.5. I enjoy the time with him, so it works out good for both of us.
 
Yes it is in a way therapy if you are one who enjoys it. I love it and sometimes find my self making excuses to detail my car when buisness is slow. Your right Charles it's alot like golf which I love to play, but I've learned to become great at detailing and still suck at golf. Phideaux I'm glad that you have found something to keep your mind busy.
 
I am glad that you found something also!!

Working on my vehicles give me satisfaction that nothing else in my life has given me. That is not to say that it is they only thing but something different. I look it as fun that requires work. But when it becomes work and not fun I stop. Then start again later when it feels like it is fun again. It is fills my immediate gratification needs.

I like the fact that it allows me to be out and at home all at the same time.

Take the time to post some pic's of your efforts. i will look forward to seeing them.
 
CharlesW said:
It's great that it filled a very real need for you. It really is good for people.
I consider it my golf.:)

Charles
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Charles,

I have to say in my experience there is absolutely NOTHING theraputic about golf. In fact it probably causes me more stress than anything and costs me more than detailing.

I like to consider detailing "active meditation." It has all the mental and emotional relaxation benefits of meditation without all the sitting still. Plus when you're done you get the benefit of a shiny, clean car!
 
cwcad said:
Take the time to post some pic's of your efforts. i will look forward to seeing them.
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Next time I will. I just have to remember to have the camera ready before the rain starts falling.
 
I love it. I don't think of anything other than the car when I'm detailing. It gets me into a zen mode that I feel like nothing is around me.

Then I get a phone call or something and it throws me off "zen". lol..
 
Phideaux said:
Next time I will. I just have to remember to have the camera ready before the rain starts falling.
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FWIW, this member gets great delight in seeing pictures of beading. Somehow it gives me a good feeling seeing the beading properties of a product. Justifying my work on the vehicle.:)
 
Oh Yes! It does make me feel good. I don't know if it is because of fresh air or satisfaction of a job well done or just an opportunity to do something productive that doesn't involve sitting behind a desk.

I even like it when the random neighbor walks by and ask if their car is next. I always say "Yes", but I guess they don't believe me because they never bring it down.

Maybe they expect me to do it at their house.
 
DetailCad said:
I even like it when the random neighbor walks by and ask if their car is next. I alway say "Yes", but I guess they don't believe me because they never bring it down.
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My offer is to wash their car if they mow my lawn. That also never happens.:)

Charles
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I totally agree, detailing can definitely be therapeutic. I lost my mother and step-father at a young age and it took years to find something that gave me that feeling of control again and detailing was a huge help with that. Now, even after working all day and despite my back aching and the rest of me exhausted, I still get that rush of looking back over the days accomplishments. I'm glad you finally found something to help you through it and hopefully give you a renewed sense of peace.
 
I only do detailing for my own vehicles and a few relatives, but I find it very relaxing. There is a definite sense of accomplishment when you stand back and look at the results of your labor. Some people probably think its weird having such a hobby, but hey, I think chasing a little white ball all over the place is kinda weird! To each his own. Planning to retire May 1, should have more time to devote to my love for cars.
Phideaux, glad you found something that helps.
 
Detailing I found is great for clearing your mind. I love that feeling of finished up the car, stepping back, and seeing how awesome the car looks and knowing I'm the one who made it look that good.

Detailing: My Anti.Drug.
 
Guys,

I think that I may be "over therapied" -- detailing, archery, all kinds of hunting, and riding a Harley Davidson. I plan to retire at the end of June so that I can work in more therapy sessions. :D

Tom :cool:
 
Best therapy I have. I can spend hours, when work allows, detailing cars. I only work on cars I can keep in my garage for a few days. Ill go outside about 8pm and work a few hours while my wife watches tv. So I am sure you see, I dont do this for profit at all. With the chemicals I use, I am sure I lose money after the initial wash..
 
Detailing has curved my stress many a times. something just aleviates me from the world, completely enveloping me in just my car. It's as if i have been spearated from the world, time have no effect, untill i am done.

In the winter, I am hhigh strung from not being able to work/wash my car. but in the summer my car gets the attention it deserves. It's sad many others will never the healing properties of our work.
 
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