I was browsing through Facebook the other day and came across a post that reportedly quoted an old instruction manual for a Singer Sewing Machine from 1949.  I have copied the excerpt from the manual here:

“Prepare yourself mentally for sewing.  Think about what you are going to do.  Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates. Never try to sew with the sink full of dishes or bed unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so that your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.   “When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Go through a beauty ritual of orderliness. Have on a clean dress. Be sure your hands are clean, finger nails smooth — a nail file and pumice will help. Always avoid hangnails. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine where you can pick it up and dust your fingers at intervals. This not only absorbs the moisture on your fingers, but helps to keep your work clean. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on with care. Looking attractive is a very important part of sewing, because if you are making something for yourself, you will try it on at intervals in front of your mirror, and you can hope for better results when you look your best. If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should.”

The comments spoke of how “old fashioned” this was.  The article was ridiculed because the attitudes don’t fit in with the “modern” world.  Look your best in case your husband comes home early, REALLY?  Everybody was having a good laugh at how silly this old manual was.  But think about it, sewing used to be a normal part of life for many women.  They made all or at least part of the clothes for the entire family.  When I was a kid, I proudly wore clothes that my Mom and Grandmother had made, just for me! I am reminded of Dolly Parton’s record, “Coat of Many Colors.”

Back to the article.  I found myself looking deeper.  If you look closely, you can find, just by changing a word or two here and there, several good life lessons for whatever it is you are planning to do.  Where some people laugh, some people can learn.  Here are the 6 I found, you may find more:

Prepare yourself mentally for whatever task is before you.  

Indifference negatively impacts your performance.  

Take care of distractions so you can focus on the main task.  

Prepare yourself physically for what you are going to do.   

Have everything that you may need close at hand.   

Be prepared to handle unexpected interruptions.

If you take the time to look, you can find hidden life lessons almost everywhere.  I found several in an old sewing machine instruction manual.