Mounting Snow Chains… The Struggle Is Real

Yesterday I spent more than an hour mounting snow chains on my car.

It was not because I did not follow the instructions. I did. I even watched a few YouTube videos before starting. In those videos it looks so easy that you start wondering why they even need to explain it. It looks like something you could do in a few minutes without thinking much about it.

Reality was different.

The hardest part was wrapping the chains around the wheels and connecting the locks. That simple looking step took ages. I had to use much more strength than I expected. My arms and fingers started to get sore. I got so hot that I ended up working in a T-shirt and broke out in sweat.

After a while it felt less like preparing the car for winter and more like a workout.

The good thing is that these chains do not require a car jack, which surprised me. And I tell myself that if I practice mounting them a few more times, they will stretch a little and become easier to handle. At least that is what I hope.

When I was finally done, I felt like I had just come back from a heavy gym session. The struggle was real. Not funny. Just real.

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This blog is for thoughtful adults who are starting again β€” in learning, creativity, or life β€” and want to grow steadily without noise or pressure.

Here you’ll find daily reflections and practical guides shaped by lived experience. The focus is on learning through doing: building consistency, adapting to change, and finding clarity in everyday practice.

The stories and guides here come from real processes β€” creative experiments, hands-on projects, life in rural Japan, working with nature, and learning new skills step by step. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is polished for performance. The aim is steady progress, honest reflection, and practical insight you can actually use.

If you’re curious about life in Japan, learning new skills at your own pace, or finding a calmer, more intentional way forward, you’re in the right place.

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