Day 2,914

Growth:

I’ve written about finding the edges a handful of times throughout the past year. The edges of the comfort zone, the edges of impossibility, the edges of success and failure. When I push to find those edges growth is most likely to occur.

While there’s certainly an upper and lower limit to this next point I’ve found that one of the best times to explore the edges is when I’m tired and run down. There’s a point to which the tiredness increases my nerves and makes everything look a little more clear. If I focus on that sensation and lean into it I seem to find the edges more clearly.

For sure, I won’t run myself ragged just to get to that point, but when it happens I need to remember to have even more awareness, to really push to explore the edges, and to maximize the potential for growth.

Appreciation:

Today there were a handful of interactions which helped as guideposts to living towards my purpose of brightening lives through shared experiences. Each touched my heart at a very deep level in several different ways. Some were in person, some via text, some through email, and some over the phone – all had the commonalities of touching my soul and helping me grow. To each of you who created those impacts today – thank you!

Presence:

This morning I had a moment of extreme clarity at work. In the heat of the moment I forgot one simple step I was going to do and instead ran right into the next item on my list. The moment I realized I had forgotten that one small step this morning caused immediate frustration. As I worked to correct the mistake I paid extra attention to the swath of chaos my mistake made for myself and my team. Afterwards I paused and reflected on how the mistake was made and the leading indicators which could have predicted the likelihood of the mistake being made. I then adjusted and then shared the thought with a teammate for confirmation. Throughout each step I was laser focused so as to learn and grow from the experience. It was painful, but an excellent way to grow and learn!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,913

Growth:

Today a friend of mine told me they were having a bad day. Very honest, open, and full of the grace they were giving themselves. “They can’t all be great days, and this has been a tough one.” This was coming from one of the most positive people I’ve ever met.

I often struggle with accepting and admitting when I have a bad day. My pride gets in the way. The mindset of having to live into a specific role and identity cause me to fake my way through it. I don’t give myself any slack for having a bad day, I try to figure it out and fix it. Sometimes I’d be much better to accept it, give myself a break, and live into a better tomorrow. LOL – even after writing a book about these types of feelings I STILL struggle with them.

Today I’m grateful for the example my friend lived. Not only did I not think any less of her (as I sometimes fear others will think of me if I admitted I was having a bad day), my respect for her grew significantly. I’ll remember the interaction the next time I “have the dips” as Gavin calls them and will respond accordingly.

Appreciation:

Dominic’s college experience is only a month old did I’m absolutely glowing with excitement for all he’s already experienced. I wrote the following to a buddy this evening after Becky and I had been on the phone with Dominic hearing about his week:

We were just talking with him tonight and I’m thinking he’s good for the moment… he’s on the rugby team, the rocket team, is working 10 hours a week as the IT person in his dorm, and just let us know he’s heading up to Duluth to rock climb the sea caves with the Climbing Club this weekend. All that while taking honors classes and studying a few hours each day. Oh yeah, and he’s been out late night longboarding at Prospect Park. Talk about living his best life!

So pumped to hear about how Dominic continues to grow into his best self!

Presence:

There were a couple of meetings today which required my full focus doc attention. While I often blog about something in nature in this section I couldn’t help but focus on how present I was in both of those conversations. They were incredibly important and I needed to be fully engaged to do my best. Being in those conversations that completely led to excellent and productive meeting and next steps. So glad I slowed my crazy squirrel brain down to be in the moment!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,912

Growth:

This morning we had quite possibly the most influential sermon I’ve ever had on the topic of forgiveness. Our priest suffered a terrible tragedy when he was a child when his grandparents were the victims of robbery and murder. He’s spoken on this topic – forgiveness – in the past, but this time in particular really hit home at a deeper level.

What stood out to me the most was the reminder that there must be an accounting of the hurt, of the pain inflicted, before true forgiveness can begin. From there we can work through the process of forgiving the individual, not once, but over and over again while wanting the best for them. This provides the balance of justice AND mercy, what we should all provide others.

I’m grateful for how he pointed out how sometimes this can be easier when it involves someone we hardly know, but more exponentially more difficult when involving someone we know well and love.

This is still processing in my brain, I need to watch it again a couple of more times to let it fully seep in (you can check it out here if you’d like – https://www.youtube.com/live/wNjnmXTfpvA?si=MLUinDNMpupcxcF1&t=1353). So much to unpack, so many levels to process this at to fully get it – at least as much as we as people can do.

Appreciation:

After all the busyness of this past week (or more) today was a beautiful respite. We hit the grocery store early, walked the dog, did some housework, and still had time to kick back and relax a bit. Much of the time we were all heading in our own directions, but there was still a solid chunk of time spent together. Having a little downtime to breathe felt amazing as will the early-ish bedtime this evening.

Presence:

There was a deeply moving moment at church today. I’m still not sure how I got to the exact emotion, but there was such a deep sense of gratitude for my Grandma Lamping that I was almost brought to tears. The older I get the more I wish I would have spent more time getting to know her better, to hearing more of her stories from her own memory. She was an incredibly amazing woman who brought so much joy to my life, but I know I only saw a fraction of the full person she was. Through the stories of others I have started to see how extraordinary she was. Had she lived longer and I matured earlier I feel there is so much I could have learned from her. This morning I couldn’t help but feel more connected to her at a deep level and I was so grateful for the flood of emotions and memories at church this morning.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,911

Growth:

While the final result is what is seen, the unobserved process is often more powerful. The words in my blog are the finished product, but the ongoing thoughts and reflections focused on gratitude throughout the day are truly the most appreciated part of this process. My joy isn’t derived from each post, rather from process and shift of mindset needed to compose it.

Appreciation:

What a day! From La Crosse to Prairie du Chien to La Crosse to Sparta (through torrential rain and hail) to La Crosse to Winona to La Crosse. Joyful reasons for each. Smiles had at each. Memories created at each. They were the bricks which built the day.

I’m also grateful for the mortar that filled in the cracks. Driving through the Driftless. Stopping at the apple orchard. Being smothered by puppy snuggles. Road trip conversations with Becky. Time of quiet contemplation and reflection. Laughs with Gavin. Snuggling with Becky.

The bricks shaped the day in a positive way, the mortar held the joy together.

Presence:

Three moments that stick out today.

• The split second in which both the back hatch if the car close and automatically lock AND I realize my keys are still inside the car. What a centering moment that is!
• The wedding party taking pic with a picturesque sunset behind them AFTER having to push the wedding ceremony back by an hour and a half due to rain.
• Experiencing the joy of a friend living one of their passions. Their smile will not be forgotten.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,910

Growth:

There’s been an idea on my mind for well over a decade and I’ve finally set aside time to take it in this year. If I didn’t take time to prioritize it and block it off in advance it never would have happened. Now that I’ve got it in the calendar I know it will. Funny how one small action (writing it on a certain day on the calendar) was the leverage point to make it happen. Watch for the small steps that will make the biggest impact and use them.

Appreciation:

Today was our Habitat for Humanity day in Winona, one of my favorite days of the work year. The task this year was helping out some landscaping and laying sod. Putting in hard work for a fulfilling purpose really brightened my soul. So grateful for the opportunity to help give back to our community in a meaningful way.

Presence:

Working outside and tamping down the loose fresh soil on a perfect fall day with an awesome breeze was so calming and peaceful. Yes, it was work and I was sweating, but it was so serene at the same time.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,909

Growth:

I’ve started reading Walter Isaac son’s book Elon Musk and have already had to many reminders that we never know the full story of what other people have faced in their lives. Before the first chapter was complete I was in a state of stunned shock at what Elon had witnessed before he’d finished high school. So easy to sit back and judge, so much more difficult to remain open minded and listen.

Appreciation:

Interesting decision to make on this section this evening! I’ve been noodling on it for the past several hours and I’ve finally gotten it narrowed down…

Flexibility really makes all the difference. Being open and willing to adjust means knowing the overall purpose, being able to grow into new solutions, and working with a deeper level of presence. Today involved a high level of flexibility, and in the initial discomfort was Joy around each corner.

Presence:

Super proud papa moment this evening as Gavin’s name was announced as one of the starters of the Varsity soccer game this evening! He’s been busting his butt for years to earn this opportunity and it was so surreal seeing him on the field for the entire 80 minutes of the game.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,908

Growth:

While urgent tasks spring forth from the aether with uncanny speed and consistency the important tasks seem to stealthily slip into shadow. When reminded to focus on the important it can be easy to wonder if I spent too much time preparing, but it is always worth investing the extra energy. The difference this made today will echo for years.

Appreciation:

Balancing grit and grace can be very awkward. Grit means pushing forward, persevering with passion for a long term dream, grace means sometimes being okay with having to pause and rest. Quite often giving myself grace seems to fly in the face of grit and can be difficult to do. What’s interesting is that often the act of giving ourselves grace is helping us grit out the goal and a necessary step rather than an obstacle. Today that was the case and I’m grateful for the grace helping the grit.

Presence:

For real. I’m really not a dog guy, but pausing everything to lay on the couch to let a puppy snuggle right in on my chest and face was a superb way to wrap up my day!

Thanks!!!

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!!!

Day 2,906

Growth:

Take time to work on what’s most important. It almost never feels the most urgent, but it is the tiny percent of stuff that makes the largest percent of impact. Today was one of those days and it felt great to make progress!

Appreciation:

Not gonna lie, my brain is still processing the Presence portion I have already written below. It was pretty intense and my melon is having a difficult time setting that memory down for a moment so I can work on other things.

So thankful for yoga! Yes, I know, I sound like a broken record, but it is one of the go to’s to help me take a deep breath and chill while also getting an awesome sweat on. During busy times like soccer season I am always tempted to skip it and just have a quiet night at home. Fortunately for me – and what I am most thankful for this evening – Becky is always asking if I want to go. There’s never any pressure from her, but the one simple act of asking helps remind me that I will always feel better for going. As usual, Becky’s right 😉 So thankful for her ongoing willingness to ask and her grit to always go when she has the option.

Presence:

On my drive home there was a moment when I had some music on (My Own Soul’s Warning by The Killers), I had the moon roof open, and the sun was shining down as I drove over the bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. For whatever reason, in that moment, I felt an intensely deep connection to something larger than just me. I was immediately overcome with shivers of awe and had to really focus on driving lest I go of the road. I know, it probably sounds all types of strange, but it was like I’d gotten just a tiny glimpse of something impossibly immense, almost like the feeling of connected humbleness when viewing the mountains, but it was something bigger and more complete than just something physical. Honestly, I have no idea what the sensation was but my mind is continuing to go back to inspect that memory and see what I can pull from that moment of clarity.

Regardless of what it was, I was in a complete state of awe and felt like it was a wonderful gift. In that moment I felt whole in a way much larger than myself, as odd as that may sound. All I know is that in that one moment all felt connected, at peace, and loved.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,905

Growth:

Over the past week I’ve worked on revising my diet. Nothing crazy, but much more healthy than I had been eating. Last night I gave myself some grace and indulged a bit. Nothing outside my old normal, quite tame actually, but very different from where I had been this week. The difference in how I felt this morning compared to every other morning for the past week was wild!!! What an excellent reminder of how diet really impacts how we feel each day.

Appreciation:

This weekend has been ridiculously busy, but intensely relaxing at the same time. Not much for downtime usually leaves me a bit stressed, but not this time. Somehow I feel more relaxed and calm in spite of – maybe because of – how full our weekend was. Not sure his we pulled it off, but I’m grateful for feeling recharged after a busy weekend.

Presence:

This afternoon a couple of friends came over to meet our puppy and brought their kindergartener. While we were talking he was super active and wanted to pile up the leaves to jump into them. After helping to create the pile it only seemed appropriate for me to take a turn jumping in and getting buried in the leaves. So much fun acting like a five year old with a five year old!

Thanks!!!