I know, I just wrote about my reading list last night, but it really stuck with me again today! As I started to re-re-read Once a Runner by John L. Parker the reasons I added this book to the list came roaring back almost immediately. The entire story is built on the main character, Quenton Cassidy, and his nonstop grit that powers him towards his dream. Throughout the book one can’t help but get motivated and want to get out on a run, letting the legs fly, and enjoying every moment of it.
More importantly, there is the nonstop drive, the resilience, the grit that keeps showing over and over and over again. The quote below is one instance of that lesson driven home.
The only true way is to marshal the ferocity of your ambition over the course of many days, weeks, months, and (if you could finally come to accept it) years. The Trial of Miles; Miles of Trials.
Once a Runner, John L. Parker
The story itself is fantastic, a little out there, a bit obvious, but pulls me in tight through each reading. Definitely a sweatshirt book if I’ve ever read one! Three times this year will be enough for this one, but it will be back again in 2027 for sure.
Appreciation & Presence:
Last night as I was prepping for bed I stumbled across these two photos:
Two photos of our boys on our 2018 family trip to Isle Royale National Park with a pit stop at Split rock Lighthouse north of Duluth. Both pics show them taking in the moment: stillness and absorption in wonder in one, active and enjoying the world around them in the other. In both they are looking ahead, seeing the world, exploring the life that lay ahead of them.
In front of them the landscape looks timeless and vast, never-ending even as it disappears into the horizon, but these photos remind us of how fleeting those moments were. At the time we were out exploring, hiking, laughing, and creating memories together. None of us realized just how quickly those moments would fly by.
Becky and I wanted to take them to places out in nature and outdoors so they would grow up knowing that there is so much wonder to be found in the world, so much life to explore, and that those moments are made all the better when shared with loved ones.
Here we are eight years later and they’ve both moved out and are off to college. They’ve each started making their own paths in the world, and we couldn’t be more proud of the young men they have grown into.
As I look back so fondly on these photos I realize the moments they hold are like insects suspended in amber, memories preserved forever. The nature and views are majestic and full of wonder, but what I love the most are the reminders of all of those moments we shared together as a family, the experiences side by side.
There are times I wish I could go back in time and sit on the bench beside them, looking out over the seeming infinity of Lake Superior together. I wish I could pick up rocks on the shoreline and skip them across the lake together. Those moments have passed, but I’m grateful for being present in each of them them while it was happening.
All of this was going through my head as I lay in bed looking at those two photos last night, happy tears streaming down my face. I was so moved by the memories, so appreciative of the chance to have created them.
Then I had another thought. I paused, swallowed hard, and pulled up one more photo, and then the tears flowed more…
I just stared at Dad’s face, the smile on it as he created a love-filled memory with his son, while his son created a love-filled memory with his sons.
As I stared at that picture of us in the treehouse we had just built together, I wept. That treehouse, those trips, raising those boys: none of it happened in a single day. It was our own Trial of Miles, built moment by moment over years that went by far too fast. And Dad walked those miles with me long before I walked them with my boys. What he gave me in that treehouse, I tried to give them on the shores of Lake Superior.
Now I can’t wait for all the adventures Becky and I still have ahead with our boys, all the moments we have yet to share.
My heart is so full of joy, gratitude, and love that it feels about to burst. I’ve been so blessed to have shared so many moments with those I love, and I am grateful for each of them.
One of my Start Doing’s for 2026 was to read, re-read, and then re-re-read 25 specific books. Each was selected for a specific reason, largely focused on values I wanted to live into more this year, concepts I wanted fresh in my brain, and stories that have always struck me as interesting on a deeper than surface level. With a little over two months to go I’m on track and only have 10 reads to go, 65 already under my belt.
I’ve learned so many things through this process. There are books I’d like to read more than three times due to how engaging they are. There are also books that I’m going to set aside and not pick back up for at least a year or two. Throughout each I’ve caught myself seeing deeper insights, hearing slightly different themes, and changing my behavior and thoughts as a result. It’s been a positive result for sure!
I miss reading so many different titles, I’ve only read 14 outside of the 25 core curriculum of 2026, but I’ll get back to that next year. This year this level of focus was exactly what my mind needed to help hardwire some of these concepts into my brain. Here’s to the home stretch of 2026 AND to the new books of 2027.
Appreciation:
This was a day! Many reasons for that statement, some positive, some scary, some exciting, some frustrating. As Jim Valvano once said, “if you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day!” In one single sixty minute stretch each of those was knocked off the list! During the entirety of the day there were definitely some repeats of all of them.
What’s interesting is that I could find myself looking only at the positive and trying to forget about the frustrating, keeping an overly optimistic view of all of it, but I’d be getting it wrong.
I could find myself looking only at the negative and getting so frustrated and agitated as I forgot about the positive, keeping an overly negative view of all of it, but I’d be getting it wrong.
As luck would have it, my current book is The Book of Joy in which the Dalai Lama and Bishop Tutu share so much wisdom about framing moments and putting the focus on where it should be. They had a positive impact on me today and helped me choose what feels to be the more correct path.
All of the things today happened. They were each individually good or bad, they were. Each of those moments offered an opportunity to learn, to feel, and to experience life. Each moment gave me an opportunity to be grateful – I was alive for each of those moments, I was able to experience each of those moments. So many of them were out of my control. In most I was grateful for the opportunity to see that I can live my core values and into my purpose in good times and in difficulty. In some I was able to more clearly see the gap between who I am and who I be living into, I was shown an opportunity to grow. Each of those moments was a gift.
Each moment, not good, not bad, always a gift. An opportunity for growth. My mind and soul, both at peace.
Presence:
Today had several conversations that involved some hard core presence. In each there was no room for anything but being right in the moment – to follow along, to dig deeper into a difficult topic, to be sure I was hearing what the person was saying. There were some with high emotions, some more cerebral and logical, and others focused on new ideas and growth.
The consistent detail was keeping the focus on the conversation I was having the with the individual – hearing them, considering their message, and responding accordingly.
Very grateful for each of those conversations today, they were so engaging that they inspired me to work harder on being that engaged in other conversations.
My morning drive today was a beauty! The cool temperatures created some incredible fog in the bluffs. As the sun slowly inched closer to the horizon the purples and oranges in the sky were magnificent. The dawn light caused the leaves to really pop, their colors really shining bright.
Traffic was super light as I meandered through the countryside towards Arcadia, leaving me to be able to soak up all the sights around me. This turned out to be a huge benefit…
As I rounded a corner starting to head up the ridge there was just enough light to make out a shape standing in the gravel inches off the blacktop. A truly remarkable buck stood sentry on the edge of the road, his breath blowing out a steam in the cold air. His rack was outstanding, he had to be at least a ten pointer, crazy thick beams and a wide spread. As I drove past this majestic beast he didn’t even move, totally standing his ground. Such a surreal moment for sure!
The rest of the drive involved creating the ridge and driving atop a sea of fog with islands of hills bursting forth. I was reminded of one of my dreams, seeing the tepuis of South America.
The remaining miles were full of shifting colors and changes in sunlight, the fog slowly dissipating. So similar to a dreamlike state while drinking my coffee and relaxing on the drive.
This morning I chose to enjoy the long commute, I was greatly rewarded.
Today was bookended by physical activity with Becky, pretty great way to start and end a day!
Our morning run was under very clear and starry skies, Becky saw a couple of shooting stars (I must have been sucking wind too much). The weather was pretty much perfect, a cool upper 40’s morning with little wind, and a sky full of stars. We were able to again have great conversation while the world slept, I just can’t get enough of those early morning runs! I know, sounds crazy, but it is about as chill as it gets to kick off a Monday morning!
This evening we had our usual yoga date night and sweated our butts off with Lace! She had one of her most epic classes yet, I was literally dripping with sweat by the midway point, stretched out more than usual, and in a complete state of chill and calm by the time class wrapped up. That time together, while we aren’t talking, is still fantastic, just taking in activity like that with one you love is a great feeling. Sharing that sensation of calm as we walk out in to the fresh air afterwards was perfect.
The work day was chaotic for so many reasons, largely good, just a nonstop thrill ride of staffing life. Having the time together with Becky to start the day and wrap up the day both engaged in activities we enjoy made the day all the better!
Taking time to enjoy a morning hike on a frosty morning in the forest, enjoying the feeling of walking in sunshine while the melting frost falls from the trees. Relaxing time with Becky and Leia on the trails in the chill morning air, feeling the sunlight raise the temperature significantly as we pass through the shadows. Watching the steam rise from Leia’s muzzle as she exhales in the cool air. Spending time in the woods, a walking meditation, taking a moment to savor the sight of a woodpecker slowly making its way around a dead tree. Paradise!
So many times in life I’ve found it so easy to help others, yet so difficult to set ego aside to receive it. Thankful for the help and advice of an old friend, taking extra time to help me down a path I’ve never traveled before. A wonderful reminder of how important it is to ask for help rather than attempting to push forward on my own. Remember to ask for help more often, it is a gift with multiple recipients.
Always block the calendar with the most important things, knock them out, and life will go much more smoothly.
After a frenetic first three quarters of my week I was able to get back into a rhythm today. Prior to leaving last night I too the time to line up my calendar with the most important things I needed to work on. I was able to lock in and focus where I needed to and it felt great.
Great lesson to remember for myself as I start to set up my plan for 2027… Step back. See the terrain. Choose my path.
Appreciation:
This morning I really didn’t want to get out of bed. I was hoping it was going to be raining so I’d have an excuse to go back to sleep. Too many nights staying up to watch the Brewers, allergies kicking my butt, lots of activity over the past few weeks. I just felt exhausted.
After the alarm went off I paused and listened… no rain. No excuses. No reason not to do the right thing.
I got up and went for my run with Becky.
It wasn’t a great one, no speed records for sure, but the miles got done. We had a great time talking as we ran, both of us feeling a little rough, but both of us moving.
Today I’m glad I showed up and survived the miles of trials!
Presence:
This evening as I left work I couldn’t help but smile. Everything was wrapped up from the week. Everything for next week is prepped and ready. Nothing to worry about or think about over the weekend.When I roll in on Monday everything is in place and ready to rumble. That’s a great feeling of presence, one that will continue to pay off all weekend long!
Whew – this is going to be a short one, been a full day and I’m running on fumes.
Here’s the quick version of a bunch of the gratitudes today:
Starting a morning with a few extra minutes of sleep, the snooze is sometimes our buddy!
Wrapping up a book that is incredibly powerful, every time it is a gut punch to wrap up Of Mice and Men.
Spending useful coaching time on teammates who are focused on growth and open to learning.
Lunch with a highly driven college student to talk about potential career paths.
An afternoon focused on catching up on a handful of necessary tasks that have been piling up.
Spending time in conversation with Becky as we have a moment of calm in the sea of a busy week.
Eating supper with one of our favorite people, hearing his stories of all he’s passionate about.
FaceTime with all four of us, connecting, joking, and having fun while pressing the pause button on life to be present with each other.
Texting and joking with my brother and my boys during the baseball game.
Listening to the Brewers game as they sweep the Dodgers to go back to their first World Series since I was 6 years old!
Hopping on the phone with my little brother, easily the biggest Brewers fan I know, to hear the sheer excitement in his voice as we both are in shock that something completely impossible actually happened!
Some books stick with us longer than others, and sometimes for reasons we don’t quite understand. What I’m learning is that when I find one of those books the best thing I can do is pick it up and read it again and again. As I keep diving in I’m able to see what my brain didn’t quite connect the first time, I can see all the details I missed the first time. In the third round I’m feeling more and more of the themes and connections, seeing the book from the wider perspective. By the fourth time I’m able to start combining the themes with my life experiences to see why the connection felt so strong. Four different readings, all of the same book, four levels of understanding.
Appreciation:
So much connection today from so many sources. Running with Becky. Morning conversation with Natalie in the office. Team stats review to celebrate where we’ve grown. Text messages of celebration. Face to face meetings to plan for an upcoming meeting. A lunch conversation with a WSU student to help her in her career search. Another face to face meeting with a client we’ve worked with for a long time to work through a challenging change. Phone conversations to coach and guide. Emails to help others understand and see. Chilling on the couch with Becky for a few moments at home. Dinner with friends hearing stories of their outdoor adventures and shooting the bull. Watching the Brewers game while texting Nick and my boys.
Around every moment today there was a connection waiting to be made, each a gift of sharing the present with someone.
Presence:
Our morning run today was outstanding! It didn’t necessarily feel the best, but we were both awake, talking, and enjoying time outside with the dog while the rest of the world slept. Those quiet mornings are amongst my favorite times, calmness in motion, connection without distraction. Throw in a random animal on the road (thinking it was fox, but it was dark and difficult to see) for good measure and life was pretty epic in that run! No deadlines, no stress, only chill!
Reading Man’s Search for Meaning will be an annual read for me for as long as I am alive. The story and wisdom remains the same, the reader and their experiences are always new. I cannot imagine a time in which this book will not hold meaningful thoughts to consider. Throughout is a reminder of the importance of surrender, love, compassion, acceptance, grit, and stoicism.
The passage that hit home today was:
And there were always choices to make. Every day, every hour, offered the opportunity to make a decision, a decision which determined whether you would or would not submit to those powers which threatened to rob you of your very self, your inner freedom; which determined whether or not you would become the plaything of circumstance, renouncing freedom and dignity to become molded into the form of the typical inmate.
Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
In every situation we have a choice to make, how we respond to the situations that life and the world throw at us. Sometimes we can choose what happens, but often not. We always can choose how we respond.
Appreciation:
This morning a thought struck me. One of the more interesting thoughts rolling through my head in the past month finally caught in the right place and flipped a switch. I dug into my dream list today and found that this crazy idea had already snuck into my list of 100+ dreams to accomplish as I was planning for 2025, and AGAIN when I re-built the list for planning for 2026!
How wild that somewhere this little seed was planted, lay dormant in the soil, growing little roots I never saw, only to bust out of the ground and blossom when I least expected it? Not only that, but it was actually the comment of someone asking if I’d ever considered this before as it would seem to be very much in my wheelhouse???
As I reviewed my most recent dream list after that realization I continued to be shocked. I’ve either made progress towards or actually already completed some of the dreams I didn’t even consciously work on! By just taking the time to put them on paper I must’ve given them just enough soil to grow while I kept living life and stayed focused in other directions.
Over and over again I am reminded of how grateful I am for having learned to create a dream list AND for learning to re-create it on an annual basis. Such a wonderful gift to give to my future self while feeding the soul of the present me.
Presence:
Fourteen years ago today we added a family member, Lulu, our pitbull mix rescue pup. She’s been gone for over three years now, but I am still very appreciative for the years we were blessed to have her.
As I came across the memory of adopting her today I had to pause and dry up my eyes a bit. Sometimes the best moments of presence come when we are able to pause and focus on the feelings brought on by past memories. The memory is past, the emotion is now. Missing my pup, grateful for all the memories made with her. Joy and sadness, all at once.
