Last week, I had the privilege of heading out to West Tennessee with my portable sawmill to help a farmer turn storm-damaged trees into something useful. But instead of seeing destruction, this farmer saw opportunity—and I was glad to help make it a reality. Over a couple of days, we transformed those fallen trees into lumber he’ll use to build a much needed structure on his property. Among the logs were a few beautiful white oaks. I milled those into 2-inch-thick slabs that will one day become table tops, adding a touch of elegance and history to his place.
What made the experience even more rewarding was the chance to immerse myself in the work and the land. I camped on the property, setting up my trusty hot tent to stay warm and comfortable through the cold nights. There’s something special about living simply for a few days, cooking over a campfire, waking up with the sun, and working hard to turn raw materials into something meaningful. After a long day of milling, I boiled water on the stove for a cup of hot tea, sip it slowly, and plan the next day’s work.
With no distractions, just the firelight, the silence of the countryside, and the satisfaction of a good day’s labor, I found time to reflect.
This job reminded me why I love what I do. There’s a deep satisfaction in helping people preserve the stories of their land and giving new life to trees that might otherwise go to waste.
As I sat there, reading and thinking, I was reminded of something Naval Ravikant said: “A calm mind, a fit body, and a house full of love. These things that cannot be bought. They must be earned.” In those moments of simplicity, I felt deeply connected to that truth. Stripped of distractions, the path to happiness was pretty clear in that moment: it isn’t about chasing more, but appreciating what’s already in front of you.
There's a peace that comes with living simply, even for just a few days. It creates space to reflect on where you've been, where you're going and what truly matters. Keep well!
Best
Jason
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