Day 3,382

Growth:

Powerfully insightful quote from the great philosopher, Epictetus:

If you are ever tempted to look for outside approval, realize that you have compromised your integrity. If you need a witness, be your own.

Epictetus

Appreciation:

Be fully present where you need to be… one of my mentors shared that over and over. Tonight in my ride home with Dominic I was going to work the two hour drive home. Instead I paused, realized that the work could always be done later (by waking up a little earlier), but my time with Dominic is very limited. I took advantage of the gift I was presented, the present of presence, and I committed myself completely into the conversation. I cannot begin to express what a wonderful gift it was to have bonus time in conversation with him.

I was present where I needed to be in that moment.

Presence:

Investing in memories and experiences, what else is there? As Dominic and I spent four hours in the car driving to and from work today there were so many times in which our conversation drifted towards experiences we’ve shared, memories we created together. In each of those moments we intentionally created space, chose to focus on the present, and we’re living in the moment. Regardless of anything which would happen in our lives those moments and memories can never be taken from us. What a gift we gave ourselves and each other!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,381

Growth:

Reading “The Choice” by Dr Edith Eva Eger has been deeply moving. Her story of surviving the Holocaust shares the unthinkable atrocities she and others endured, but is just as filled with the hope, gratitude, and love she carried with her throughout the experience. Hearing about her staying positive in situations I cannot begin to fathom reminds me more and more of the choice we all have to make, how we will face the adversity in our lives.

This will be a book I read at least once per year.

Appreciation:

There are some moments shared between father and son which seem to be canon. Today Gavin and I shared a handful of those moments while we worked on his car. Nothing crazy, minor maintenance, but as opportunity to get greasy hands together as we discussed how the whole system operates. A changed cabin air filter, cleaning the engine air filter, changing the headlights, all a chance to true our bonds as father and son, just as Dominic and I have done in the past.

So grateful for moments of bonding while sharing useful knowledge.

Presence:

Observing the boys getting all jacked up for the football game was a ton of fun. The ups, the downs, and all the emotions in between. It brought back so many memories of watching games as a kid and watching Dad get himself worked up into a lather while watching his beloved Packers. Seeing them together as brothers sharing their passions always brings joy to my soul.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,380

Growth:

“Nature everywhere speaks to man in a voice, that is familiar to his soul.”

Alexander von Humboldt

When in doubt, start the morning in quiet drinking a cup of coffee while reading a thought provoking book.

Appreciation:

Okay, maybe I sound like s broken record, but spending time with family during Christmas is a gift. To have time to relax and talk, to joke and play games, to connect and enjoy time together, a gift to be grateful for. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to share this time with family, to create new memories, and to be ourselves together.

Presence:

The sense of awe while being only a few yards from a cougar at a zoo, hearing a lion roar, and observing people only a chi link fence away from a tiger…. All the moments of awesomeness experienced at the zoo with family.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,379

Growth:

Suffering is universal, but victimhood is optional.

Dr Edith Eva Eger

Appreciation:

Getting together at Mom’s for Christmas, always an awesome time with family. Today I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to get us all together and all the traditions that go along with our time together.

Presence:

Spending time laughing, talking, and catching up with family at Christmas at Mom’s – always an excellent time!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,378

Growth:

The right people will see the adventure and excitement in a new endeavor rather than the difficulty and frustration of an obstacle. Remember that – the right people will be in for adventure, have a positive attitude, acknowledge the challenge, and see the opportunity to prove themselves. Don’t shy away from sharing the reality of a challenge, share the craziness and challenge ahead, and watch for the ones who smile.

Appreciation:

The more and more I dig into this project the more and more grateful I am for tearing it down to the studs. With all the old plaster and drywall out of the way it is so much easier to see the future of the space. As more and more is removed, more and more opportunity presents itself. This project is already helping me experience the beauty of my 2025 theme, “Less, but more.”

Presence:

Spending a day working with Dominic was awesome. We rode 90 minutes together in the morning, worked in the same office, had lunch together, put in more work, and then drove 90 minutes back home. A long day for sure, but one we’ll both remember for a variety of reasons! Nice to have some bonus time like this with him!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,377

Growth:

Time slips past so quickly, fading away undetected is one of its greatest strengths. Remember to pause, be intentional about using it as effectively as possible. Appreciate it while you hold it, don’t let it slip through your hands like sand.

Appreciation:

Chilling out on the couch, watching a movie, maybe falling asleep for a little nap… not normally my jam but exactly what I needed today! With all the craziness of the last few weeks a little down time was what my body needed for sure.

Presence:

With Dominic spending time with his girlfriend and her family we had only a smidge of time together with all four of us. While the time was limited it seemed as if we were all locked in and present for the time we had. Felt great!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,376

Growth:

Fresh eyes see so much more so more clearly. Experienced eyes see so much more clearly. Pros and cons to both. When used in tandem one sees even more.

Appreciation:

Every Christmas Eve we gather at Becky’s parents’ house and every year we gave a wonderful time. Same was true tonight. So many laughs, so much fun, so grateful for our time together!

Presence:

I’m really not a puzzle guy, but for the second time in the past few nights I found extreme joy in working with others in accomplishing the task. So easy to talk and joke while doing something we can each dive in and out of said the mood catches us.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,375

Growth:

Sometimes you just need to start all over on a project. Throughout time the layers of paint thicken, crack, and peel as the layers get thicker and thicker. Rather than add another coat it’s best to strip it all back down and start fresh. Heck, maybe even up out all the old drywall and start from the studs. That’s where I’m at with a rather large remodel project of sorts.

What’s really caught my attention is how once I accepted that I needed to start over rather than just patch my entire perspective changed and I’ve got my head in a much better place to get it all done. Still difficult knowing how much work there is to get done, but there’s also an increased level of excitement.

Appreciation:

Nothing like sitting in someone else’s desk to remember how much you appreciate their performance! Taking time to fill in during the holidays has been an eye opening reminder of how each role impacts the others. So easy to get lulled into thinking I remember all the details until I’m into them! Today I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to get my perspective back in line.

Presence:

With all the stress of work at the moment I’m a huge fan of a little fiction to help my brain unwind. I’ve fired up Stephen King’s Billy Summer for my current foray into a fictional world. Drive time hours melt away into seeming seconds with the master storyteller weaving one of his finest.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,374

Growth:

Interesting how much brighter our own lives are when we focus specifically on brightening the lives of others. By focusing outside of ourselves we bring peace to ourselves.

Appreciation:

While life will be a bit more busy due to my work schedule for a little while it was awesome to have an opportunity to hang out with Becky and the boys the majority of the day. Between taking a walk, going to church, eating lunch while watching a little football, doing housework, putting together a puzzle, eating supper, and walking through Rotary lights it has been a day of togetherness. These days and moments are amongst my all time favorites.

Presence:

Sitting and standing around a table with Becky and our sons enjoying each others company as we put a National Parks puzzle together in the sunroom, a moment of perfection. No stress, no agenda, no news, no phones, only family, a puzzle, and presence.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,373

Growth:

Similar to yesterday, we always have a choice to make… which attitude will we choose? Winter is cold, frigid, uncomfortable, has snowy and icy roads, and it gets dark so early. Winter also is crisp and refreshing, feels great in our nose, has awesome lighting due to the lower sun, has snow for so many activities, and is incredibly beautiful. Today I chose the latter and it made all the difference.

Appreciation:

Between reviewing photos from this past year and then watching a hiking video of Iceland with Dominic my heart sings for the sights I’ve been blessed to experience over the past handful of years. Iceland and Patagonia have left lasting imprints on my soul. Their peacefulness, jaggedness, innocence, and their quiet stillness sing a melody for my soul. As I think back to both I become so joy filled I am brought to the brink of tears of happiness. In moments of stress and challenge when I pause, close my eyes, and breathe, they are the views behind my eyelids.

To have experienced both places is a gift for which I will be forever appreciative!

Presence:

Ahh… the sensation of breathing fresh, clean, crisp, cold winter air in through the nose is amazing!!! There’s nothing quite like it! One of my favorite parts of winter is the first day of zero-ish degree temperatures, heading outside, and taking a nice long pull of fresh air right into my nostrils. Delightful!

Thanks!!!