Thankful for Daily Blogging – Speed Run!

Day 3,941

Tonight’s going to be a speed run, it’s been an action packed day and I’m exhausted! All good stuff, definitely a +2 day, and because of all the good stuff I’m ready to sleep.

Growth:

Inspiring homily today focused on the parable of the sower planting seeds all over including on the fertile ground, in the thorns, the rocky ground, and on the path. Our priest pointed out a side of the story I’d never considered before, something outside of the direction I’ve heard the wisdom of the story lead.

He pointed out that what we should keep in mind is how Jesus would prefer we sow the seeds EVERYWHERE – not just on the fertile soil. He would prefer we don’t pick and choose who is worthy of the love we share, we should share it openly and with everyone, regardless of if we think they deserve it or not. Who knows, that little bit of love might be exactly what they need to blossom, even in the more difficult place.

The more and more we hear from the two Franciscan priests the more I can’t help but feel more connected to what should be the true reason for all faiths – to love others as God (or Jesus, the Universe, or whatever your flavor of a higher power is) does. Love each other unconditionally and help show that love through helping them.

Appreciation:

This blog is a bit shorter than normal because the day has been full of great things. An early morning walk before it got too hot. Seeing a family of four sandhill cranes. Preparing my lunches for the week early so I make better eating choices all week long. Hearing an insightful and inspiring homily at church. Spending time with Becky as we both unwind. Reading a great audiobook as I clean the floors of the house, oddly calming. Making supper with Becky. Remembering that I forgot to wash my work clothes before it was too late to wash my work clothes. Laying on the deck in the sun for a little bit to enjoy the heat. Texting a friend. Getting camping plans set for the week. Taking in a meditation and sound bath session at the yoga studio. Spending time in thought on my next creative venture. Talking with Dominic on FaceTime for quite a while – including Gavin on the call when he got home from work. Relaxing and blogging. Knowing I’ll be asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

For all those reason, I’m exhausted. For all those reasons I’m grateful.

Presence:

We had a meditation and sound bath combo at yoga today that was INCREDIBLE!!! So peaceful and chill, taking 90 minutes to relax that deeply was priceless!!!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for a Daily Reminder, Time with a Friend, & a New View

Day 3,940

Growth:

One of the notes I read every morning as a reminder to myself is: I thrive when combining purpose, outdoors, & people. It is a message I remind myself to consider how to combine those three things. Seemingly every time I do I live my best life. Keeping it in front of me helps me orient the direction of my day in a way to best maximize this when possible.

Appreciation:

Spending time with one of my lifelong best friends today was such a great time! He’s had a lot of life going on recently, it felt wonderful pausing the rest of life to talk, shoot the bull, and even knock out a hot summer afternoon hike. Creating space for the two of us to connect was a great way to spend the afternoon.

Getting the bonus time on the trail was fantastic – he’d never gotten the scenic bluff top view of the Mississippi River Valley. Being there to experience his sense of awe for the expansive view filled my bucket for sure.

Presence:

So many moments of shared outside time today! What really jumps out to me is the moment when I was taking the scenic route and found a view of the area I had somehow never seen before – what a cool surprise!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Another Question, Floating It Out There, & Our Running Ritual

Day 3,939

Growth:

Another question has been in my brain since a few nights ago when I was working on my project. It has been pushing me to look at the year from a different perspective, a view inspired by Ed Tom, the sheriff from the book No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy.

It is a question that forces humility, that offers opportunity to see what we’ve misjudged, underestimated, or didn’t expect to face. In viewing it we are able to see a better route forward in the year ahead, to better prepare ourselves for what we may face.

Where did I encounter something this year that I was not fully equal to?

Appreciation:

The Universe is so ready to help us out to grow and expand. The more we float ideas and dreams out, the more often there are opportunities provided for us to take action. For sure, just wanting something doesn’t make it so, but I’m amazed at how often there is magic to be found after opening ourselves up, being humble and asking others for help or sharing our dream with them. In so many ways it’s almost as if we speak the magic into existence, it is only up to us to listen and take the appropriate action.

Today I took another step on my project (not quite ready to share it this openly yet) and it provided several new insights and ideas that really helped me see where this could continue to grow! So much more work to be done, but opening up helped me see a more clear path forward.

Presence:

Our morning run was amazing! I know, I use something form our morning run often, but I’m realizing more and more how sacred that ritual is to me. The time alone with Becky (and Leia). Physical activity to get my blood pumping. Quiet in the woods in the pre-dawn hour. Knowing that I started the day on my terms. Keeping my health the top of mind.

All those reasons and so many other little ones, the reason that time running is worth every ounce of energy and time many times over.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Who I Should Bring Out of the Woods, Choosing Time Together, & Channeling Impermanence

Day 3,938

Growth:

This question has really been rocking my brain over the last twenty four hours:

What is the best part of me while I’m out hiking that I want to bring back from of the woods when I’m done?

Is it the calm? The presence of soul? The me who’s easily lost in wonder over the simple things? The me who needs little, if anything, to find joy? What about the stillness of mind, focused in only that exact moment with no other worries or concerns?

What is that best part of me I should bring back with me from the woods?

Appreciation:

Last night was relaxing and calm, an opportunity to enjoy quiet, to work my brain, and to be able to lose myself in thought.

This evening, up until this moment, has been almost exclusively focused on spending time with Becky, Dominic, and Gavin.

Dominic wanted to call and talk for one of our two weekly FaceTime sessions even though we just saw him on Monday. Though he had something come up and had to cut off the call early he made a point of making sure we could still talk tomorrow. He wants to and chooses to spend time together.

Gavin knew I was getting tired and ready for bed, but he wanted to spend time together playing a game. He has a ton of other things he could be doing, but he chose to spend time with me having fun. He wants to and chooses to spend time together.

To have family bonds so tight that we all actively choose to spend time together because we truly enjoy sharing time together – that is what I’m most grateful for this evening!

Presence:

Realizing that though I am tired there is only a finite amount of time in which Gavin will be at home and able to relax and play a game at the kitchen table with me. Sleep can come later, enjoy the moments I have with him.

And then remember these moments when the passing of time is palpable, channel it, and use it to help guide myself back to presence when I start to drift and lose all sense of urgency.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Adjustments

Day 3,937

This morning we had to adjust our run due to the heat and our dog’s decision to permanently wear a parka 🙂

At work there were a couple of unexpected adjustments that had to be made, including a sales appointment in which we had to almost literally adjust to everything changing in mid stream.

This evening our stand up paddle board yoga practice was cancelled due to rain and storms so I adjusted my plans for the evening accordingly.

As a result of all of those changes the following all happened:

  • Becky and I had a delightful conversation while walking the dog this morning, taking time to soak in all the sights, and connect while still getting some exercise in.
  • Our sales meeting had significantly better results than expected AND it was a very timely training opportunity for a teammate to learn how to work through unexpected changes.
  • I was able to put hours into a side project I’ve been working on and will be excited to launch late this year. The bonus tie provided extra space to get a bunch of the thought work done I’ve had on my list for quite some time.

So many adjustments throughout the day, I’m kind of chuckling to myself as I consider if anything actually went as planned! That said, the day was significantly better directly as a result of the adjustments I had to make along the way.

In the words of a great philosopher:

You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometime, you’ll find, you get what you need.

Mick Jagger

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Choosing Between Flexibility and Rigidity, Bonus Dominic Time, & Getting Lost in a Great Book

Day 3,935

Growth:

Flexibility is a choice, so is rigidity. Depending on the situation one of the two is likely going to be more effective and successful. Taking a moment to pause, consider which makes the bigger impact in that exact moment, and then acting accordingly isn’t always easy to do – it requires taking that second to pause and zoom out, to become aware of what is truly transpiring, and then set the ego aside to make the correct choice. During the day I did just that and it made a very positive impact on the direction of the conversation.

Appreciation:

Having Dominic back home over the past several days was a soul filling blast from the past. His presence in our home always makes an immediate and lasting impact. The humor, positivity, the crazy idea dreaming, the energy – everything is amplified by him being here. There were many times today when I just paused to consider how great it was having him at home and how he must like coming home as often as he is here – I’m pretty sure the free food also doesn’t hurt 😉

Any time with Dominic is a blast and very much welcomed, I was glad we got an extra large helping with him this extended weekend!

Presence:

Nothing like snuggling right into a great book, devouring it as if the world around us doesn’t exist, only that story. An interesting version of presence, to be sure, but a very divine state of presence nontheless!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for a Pile of Stuff that Doesn’t Need to be Sorted ;)

Day 3,934

This morning was my first run in about a week, my back was pretty good for the most part. Nice to get it al loosened back up and ready to go!

Mindset makes a big difference. So does clarity. As does sharing the load. Take a deep breath, get others involved. It will all get worked out.

Beyond grateful for the ongoing love and support from Becky. She always seems to know just what I need to hear and when, both the good and the bad, and is always there to help me through the difficult days. Life is so much easier when I can know I’m that supported.

Yoga… ahh… yoga… Exactly what the body and soul need to pause, zoom out, and get back into the right focus on what really matters. The crazy workout and puddle of sweat were very rewarding as well!

Watching soccer with Dominic while texting my brother – priceless! The game didn’t go as we’d hoped, but was only slightly worse than expected. We had a blast laughing, joking, and enjoying the ride. While watching sports isn’t one of my go to’s for relaxation time there are definitely some awesome ways in which it can help build and strengthen bonds between brothers and friends.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for a Perfect End to the Wonderful Weekend

Day 3,933

I could really get used to the three day weekend concept!

This morning we knocked out a peaceful walk shortly after waking up. While we skipped the normal hiking haunts due to the heat for Leia we hit the end of Fisherman’s Road and enjoyed a quiet walk almost n the woods with almost no other traffic. There were trees and woods on both sides of us at times, so much greenery for us to take in and enjoy. The birds were plentiful – being both seen and heard. Such a calming start to the day, all the better having the time for the two of us to relax and talk.

Church included a thought provoking sermon on the importance of feeling a sense of wonder and fascination. We ate lunch, knocked out the last of our weekend tasks, and took some time to play some games with just the two of us.

Dominic joined us late in the afternoon and we were cheering loudly for the Norway versus Brazil soccer match, enjoying the excitement provided. Dinner and a walk, then games and talking about future hiking adventures he plans on having.

Now it’s back to Gavin and I sitting on the couch, shooting the bull and watching the Mexico v England match and catching up on the day.

Soon will be bed and starting the week all over again.

A wonderful day to wrap up a perfect weekend at home with family!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Sleeping In, a Bonus Day at Home, and Time with Friends

Day 3,932

I could get used to this three day weekend stuff! Having the opportunity to sleep in a little today felt amazing. So easy to forget how much more sleep we could actually use, especially when there’s extra time to relax.

Having the entire bonus day yesterday to get most of our stuff done was excellent, today was the opportunity to get a little extra knocked out. It also meant more time to spend with family.

We also had a wonderful time hanging out with friends to celebrate the Fourth. So many laughs, shooting the bull, and hanging out felt great, exactly the right way to spend a bonus day of chill!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for a Wonderful Saturday Eve

Day 3,931

Today was definitely a list kind of day! Why settle for one thing or a theme when going wide seems so much more fitting?

  • Getting a nice little sleep in, even if it was only until 7:20 or so.
  • An almost immediate walk with Becky and Leia, time in motion, time to talk and connect.
  • Eating a solid breakfast, taking time to cook eggs.
  • Watching Gavin enjoy pole vaulting at RiverFest while talking with Dominic.
  • Doing a handful of adulting tasks, enjoying them rather than feeling obligated to do them.
  • Watching soccer with Dominic while eating lunch.
  • Mowing the lawn even when it’s hot and humid.
  • Having an early dinner with Becky.
  • Going grocery shopping on a Friday when it’s quiet, running into Dominic there, and enjoying the lack of any type of rush,
  • Reading a thought provoking book throughout the day.
  • Hanging out with Dominic and Caitlyn, chilling in the living room, shooting the bull.
  • Getting 10-15 minutes of concentrated Gavin energy as he transitions from work to heading off to meet up with friends.
  • Relaxing on the couch quietly with Becky, both reading.
  • Wrapping up my day with a review of how much I appreciated it and why.

Thanks!!!