Overpowered

I drive an old car. I mean not that old. But like 20 years old.

To maximize the value I get from that car, I installed a new Apple Carplay stereo and remote starter. It seemed like a great idea. Plug in my phone. Listen to podcasts. Start my car from the comforts of my home when it's -10F outside.

Unfortunately, that wasn't a great idea.

Because the electrical system in my car couldn't handle the constant draw I hooked up to it. Hence, I went through batteries, just as my daughter goes through outfit changes on a Saturday.

I overpowered my car, and it didn't work out. I bought one more battery and then had my remote starter disconnected, and now things are all good again.

There are many situations in life where we overpower things, which is becoming particularly relevant to me as I get older.

Last fall, I decided to clear a bunch of boulders out of a meadow at the cabin so Selma could ride her bike down that meadow. I had enough power doing that for four hours, not seven. I should have stopped at four. The task completely overpowered my arms, resulting in six months of physical therapy for my newfound tennis elbow.

The moral of the story -

There are limitations in life. Recognize them. Embrace them.