Day 3,094

Growth:

So much of life goes better with a plan. For sure, spontaneity has its place too, but intentionality can set up so many profound moments of spontaneity by virtue of putting us in the right place at the right time.

Take time to set the strategy, prepare to be completely flexible, take advantage of the prevailing winds, and enjoy the ride in whatever direction you end up choosing and facing.

Appreciation:

The running conditions at 5am were less than ideal this morning. I’d much rather run in less than 15 mph cold winds.

Due to Gavin’s driving lesson I had get my weightlifting in at a less than ideal time later in the evening. I’d much rather be winding down at 7:30pm rather than getting my lift on.

Though both were less than ideal, I still did them. Not only that, but there was a bonus sense of fulfillment in doing both specifically because of the less than favorable conditions! Rather than making either activity impossible the conditions kind of compelled me to get after it to prove to myself how badly I want to reach my goals.

Here’s to the obstacles life throws at us. They can either stop us or inspire us, it is up to us to choose how we will react to them.

Presence:

On my drive to work this morning I could feel myself getting a little tightly wound and realized I needed a moment to pause. I turned on my Epic Vacation playlist, took a few deep breaths to center myself, and focused on enjoying my coffee. When I got to Winona I rolled into the cemetery, turned on Wheels by The Foo Fighters, and took in the view around me. My gaze settled upon the market below sharing the the birth of Greenleaf Woods and their death approximately 42 years later. This reminded me to be grateful as I’m already on borrowed time and to keep in mind what’s truly important in life. At that my tightness subsided and a sense of joy and appreciation overtook me.

What a gift the reminders of the impermanence of life can be!

Thanks!!!