Day 2,960

Growth:

Running ragged and feeling exhausted is not recommended for long stretches of time, but there is a uniquely transcendental benefit to be found within. When I am feeling thoroughly exhausted everything is so much more raw, like exposed nerves. The sensations I normally lightly feel are compounded to a profound level, like salt in a cut or sugar in a cavity. Thanks to the increased sensation I can feel them more deeply, pay attention to what my mind and soul have been numbing, and get a better grasp on my mindset and world around me. The exponentially improved sense of awareness can bring about insights which I would never have faced in the comfort of “normal life.”

For sure, I am totally ready to die to the world for a while to rest and recover, but I am also grateful for all I’ve experienced in this worn down state, the real me without defenses up.

Appreciation:

What a week and a day it has been! The past eight days have been a solid focus on work – an owner meeting, a leadership retreat, training our teams, and lot of unexpected twists and turns. Throw in being on a panel and then giving a presentation while feeling completely wiped out with a cough and the remnants of a chest cold and is has been quite the stress test. And I passed. Now on the tail end I can look back with gratitude at all that was experienced over the past week and see what went well, what I would change I were to do it all over again, and rest well knowing I’ve had a hell of a productive week.

Presence:

My ride home from Wausau was a wonderful experience. No audiobooks, only music, played very loudly, and there may have been a little car dancing. I’m still not feeling great so it wasn’t anything too crazy, but it was a stunning contrast to the nonstop focused week I’ve had thus far. Taking time to have thought and time with music was exactly what my soul needed to wrap up the week.

Thanks!!!