Day 2,907

Growth:

One of the best parts of presenting to a group is the opportunity to learn from others. Even though I’m the one presenting the participants always have awesome ideas and best practices to share. Today was no different, there were a handful of really positive ideas I took away from the presentation.

Appreciation:

My knee…. Most of me is in great shape, and my right knee usually is too, but over the past couple days it has reminded me of its weakness. That said, it feels like it’s a little tender and has swollen up, nothing a couple of days of rest and ice can’t fix. I probably pushed it a little too much in yoga last night, but that’s life.

So why am I writing about my bum knee during a gratitude blog?

Simple – there is so much positive to pull from this experience. Yes, my knee doesn’t feel good and I have to change my plans BUT it also is a test for me to pass. I can get frustrated about it and complain, or I can choose a mindset of appreciation and growth. I can ask myself that enlightening question – “What can I learn from this?”

This is a reminder of why it’s important for me to focus on losing weight so I can have less pain like this. This reminds me to appreciate the other 99.999% of the time when I’m completely healthy. This is a test to see how I can learn to sit still rather than going one hundred miles a minute. This is a reminder that I am more than the ways I identify myself – how can I be a runner when I can’t run for a while? This is a reminder to give more grace to those who suffer chronic pain. This reminds me how important physical health is.

Possibly most importantly at the base of all of this? This thought exercise I’ve just completed reminds me to focus on the upside, to control what I can control – my mindset. This sucks sitting around with an ice pack on my knee, but it can also be a wonderful teacher if I choose to be s good student. I am grateful for this test!

Presence:

Snuggling with Leia is awesome, for sure. What I’m really appreciating frequently is observing Leia experiencing the world as a puppy. She sniffs, chews, bounces, jumps, inspects, and plays with so many things fit the first time. She’s somehow cautious and fearless at the same time and is always learning and growing. What a gift to pause and try to see the world through her eyes gif a moment!

Thanks!!!