Day 3,816

Gavin and I have traveled approximately 5,000 miles over the past twenty four hours – not quite planes, trains, and automobiles, just swap out the trains for a bus and we’re spot on.

It’s been a ridiculous stretch, but so much fun. We’ve made a ton of memories, had so many laughs, and have had some great food as we got to experience some new cities.

Totally exhausted, but worth every single yawn! we got to Cortina just in time to get greeted by Becky and Dominic, shower up, and make it to Matt’s curling match. Ready to crash, but enjoyed making a ton of memories with Gavin as we literally traveled across the globe!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,815

As luck would have it I started watching a series that a teammate had recommended to me a while back – the show is called Severance.

That’s a great way to explain how I felt at about noon today as Gavin and I headed off to the airport and I unplugged from work for a while.

It already a feels great to slam the brakes on what has been a nonstop train of absolute busyness – from new business, growing business, curveballs, trainings, work travel, and all the rest. This time away was more needed than I had thought, very grateful to have the time away!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,814

The sprint is almost complete! The past few weeks of nonstop action will be wrapping up by noon tomorrow as I then cross the finish line. When I finished the Grand Island Marathon many years ago the sprint into the freezing cold water of Lake Superior brought immediate relief, sitting on the plane tomorrow will do the same for me!

Today was a lot of prep for future Mike, getting everything wrapped up, buttoned up, and prepped to make the transition back to real life afterwards super easy.

Bring on the fun, grateful for the day to prep!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,812

Things work out very well sometimes even when we don’t immediately see the upside. This morning we were up crazy early (4am) to go for our run due to the super early start to my work day in Eau Claire. The alarm seemed a bit more intense than usual, I was definitely not ready to get up and moving. Regardless of how I felt we were out the door by 4:15. Nice temperatures, very little wind, and it was very close to perfect running weather.

As luck would have it, the rain started to fall at the exact time we would have been a ways out on our run, which would likely have been pretty miserable.

Had we gone through our normal routine the run would’ve been a rough one, due to the luck of a little initial discomfort it worked out pretty slick!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,811

I’ve realized today that life before a vacation and hot off a work trip lead to life seeming a lot like Doppler Effect! The closer I get to the calendar date the more everything seems to get louder and intense.

Today I felt my heart racing, like the walls were closing in, and there just isn’t enough time. By the time I am wheels up on Monday all of that pressure will decrease significantly and gig the entirety of the time I am away. Now I need to keep that in mind while simultaneously remembering that I have limits, even if I don’t care to admit them.

Deep breaths, chill thinking, calming forward motion.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,810

Whew, that was a full day!

Wake up early and get a run in. Drive 90 minutes to Eau Claire for work. Work through all types of coaching, challenges, and projects. Drive 90 minutes back home. Get tax info pulled together. Knock out a walk with the family before dinner. Help someone work through their resume and cover letter. Have a conversation with my brother. FaceTime with Dominic to catch up on his week and get excited for Italy. Play an epic chess match with Gavin. Type my blog, and then off to bed.

Wowza, that was a very full and very rewarding day!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,809

Growth:

There’s a large difference to be found in the sensation of feeling tired when the work is towards a purpose rather than something we need to “just do.” When it is towards our purpose the passion helps us to see the exhaustion as almost a reward for the effort. Interesting to see that difference clearly. A wonderful lead measure to see if I spent the time and energy in a meaningful way – how do I feel about my exhaustion?

Appreciation:

There are a few different nuggets I am grateful for this evening:

• Realizing that I am gettin nervous for an upcoming trip, not because I’m worried about my team performing, but for my ability to accomplish all I promised to accomplish for them prior to when I leave.
• The comfortability in sharing all types of feedback – constructive and complimentary – with similar ease for both.
• How the souls of best friends can be very much connected and in sync, even hours apart.
• The way that difficult activities and exercises help us measure our growth.
• Remembering that the intent behind a goal is so much more important than the details of the goal itself.

Presence:

Taking time to laugh, relax, and unwind – Gavin and I did just that this evening as we laughed constantly through the movie Eurotrip. After a very busy handful of days it was music for the soul to chill without an agenda, laughing and laughing as we took in one of our favorites together.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,808

Growth:

We are all capable of so much more than we think we are. For some reason it often takes big challenges and difficulties to help us see that. In the moment those experiences are difficult to be thankful for, but with the benefit of hindsight we’re able to see that those difficult moments were what led us to growth.

Appreciation:

Today I’m especially grateful for the people who push me and make me feel uncomfortable from a growth standpoint. They challenge our ideas, help push us to become better, and help us view the world from a slightly different perspective. It is especially effective as we know they want the best for us. Very thankful for those influences in life!

Presence:

A morning run and yoga, sweet yoga… Exactly what the doctor ordered while the body is stiff from a lack of sleep and a bunch of time on flights. Getting back into the normal rotation of activity felt amazing today, exactly what I needed to get back into the swing of things.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,807

Nothing like getting home after a work trip to be able to get back to normal-ish!

The work event was amazing, blew well past my expectations, and provided a ton of value – it was still time away from home, from my family. This evening I’ll be calling it an early night (the 2:10am alarm this morning was a bit extreme, even by my standards) and am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.

Thanks!!!