Thankful for Learning Through Mistake, a Day in the Woods, & Mississippi River Music

Day 3,420

Growth:

Throughout my day of hiking (see the next section) I was working on taking pictures using some of the new things I’ve been learning and thought I was making progress. As it turns out, I was making progress, though not as I had intended! So many of the photos I took were totally blur and not what I’d intended, a few of the settings were off and I thought I would skip the tripod and shoot by hand. So the learning continues! Nothing like the sting of mistake to fuel the learning for the next time.

Appreciation:

I took the day off today and headed out to one of my favorite local-ish hiking areas, Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, IA. Out the door just after 5am I was able to get to the park and where I wanted to be before sunrise. In addition to taking pictures I relaxed, soaked in the beautiful sights (& sounds), and slowly sipped my coffee and enjoyed every moment.

After putting my coffee mug away I knocked out about a dozen miles in the park and walked all the trails I’ve wanted to cover in past visits. It was just the deer, eagles, and I in the woods, the only people I encountered on the trail were as I was within eye shot of my car. Such a wonderfully relaxing way to get my brain back in the right state of mind.

Everything in life can be worked out while walking in the woods. The fresh air, the trees, the wildlife, and all the wonderful views, including frozen waterfalls, bring a level of stillness that can help us see all of life so much more clearly. I am beyond grateful for making the time needed to get my brain in the right place.

Presence:

Standing in the woods, all alone, relaxing and enjoying the sights and sounds all around me. Of all of the moments there is one in particular that really jumps out. When I was watching the sunrise slowly paint the sky I was serenaded by the music of the ice on the Mississippi River slowly expanding and popping. It echoed through the valley and was a perfect soundtrack to the sunrise!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Learning Through Questions, Days Before Vacations, & Connecting Dreams

Day 3,419

Growth:

The more I dive into asking myself questions each day the more I find what really brings me joy, what specific activities help me to feel most fulfilled. Today was a solid dose of that, very insightful and useful!

Appreciation:

So thankful for taking the day off tomorrow, I need it! Looking forward to getting some epic hiking in and some solo time in the woods, just what the doctor ordered. Today it also helped me to push harder and further in an effort to get ahead of where I would likely have been on a typical day. Gotta love the day before vacation, always an opportunity to kick it into hyperdrive!

Presence:

The moment when you realize you helped to connect a couple of people who likely otherwise wouldn’t have and they’re both likely going to help each other achieve their dreams. Awesome!!!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Car Time with Teammates, Chill, & an Excellent Client Meeting

Day 3,418

Growth:

Many years ago a mentor shared how beneficial it can be to intentionally have car time with teammates. It’s an opportunity to coach and train for sure, but more importantly, it’s an opportunity to get to know each other better outside of the normal office environment. Today that was proven to be excellent advice yet again!

Appreciation:

This evening was a chill night, though focused on almost completing a project. It was nice shutting down my brain from work thoughts. Creating a little bonus space to relax was exactly what I needed!

Presence:

Just had one of the most engaging client meetings I’ve had in a while! So many jaw dropping moments of the power of culture and discipline combined, totally invigorating and insipiring!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Enjoying the Grind, When Everything Clicks, & Great Sleep

Day 3,417

Growth:

With a large task list in front of me I took on the day in a frenzy. Several curveballs kept me engaged while working through the list. It wasn’t perfect and there is still more to get done, but it felt very rewarding. Enjoying the grind, knocking out all the “stuff,” busy but focused in the right direction.

Appreciation:

There are moments when everything just seems to click, all the right pieces fall into place. At work it seems like we’re so close to that point with the team we’ve built, it makes going to work so much more rewarding and enjoyable!

Presence:

Starting the morning well rested after almost 9 hours of sleep! What an invigorating way to kick off the morning!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Breath, the Next Stage of the Race, & Light Rain in the Forest in the Morning

Day 3,416

Growth:

So easy to take things for granted when they happen thousands of times each day. As I read the book Breath by James Nestor I’m reminded to pause and appreciate the sensation of breathing through my nose, taking in air, and feeling my lungs expand and contract.

Appreciation:

This morning I realized just how much energy a busy few months can burn up without realizing it. When in the throes of a challenge the adrenaline starts pumping and helps to propel us through the difficulties. Once everything lines up and seems to be on track the adrenaline fades and we’re left facing the sensation of having run a marathon. There are blisters on the feet, the legs feel like lead, and I’m completely exhausted… but it’s time to get up and start running to train for the next race. This is when the real challenge begins, pushing through the discomfort to get moving toward the next goal. This is when we learn and grow, but also when we need to remember to breathe, take care of ourselves, and relax.

Presence:

During our morning run I had to pause to listen to the sound of a very light rain or sleet falling off the leaves of the forest. Such a wonderfully chill sound in the morning before the sun came up.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for a Day Focused on Future Adventure

Day 3,415

Whew – it’s been a full day! Lots was accomplished, I pulled aside time to work on a few different projects I wanted to take on. That said, there was a lot of time put towards planning future adventures and vacations! Nothing like spending a significant part of the day on creating future memories, creating experiences we will share with others. When I went on a walk with Becky our conversation often drifted towards the travel plans – a little bonus return on the investment of time without even having travelled yet!

Gotta love days focused on travel 🙂

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Productive Relaxation, a Normal Weekend Day, & Hiking at Beaver Creek Valley State Park

Day 3,414

Growth:

Relaxing is exactly what we need sometimes even when we think we really need to get stuff done. What’s really cool is when we find ways to relax while also being productive.

Appreciation:

With all the travel recently it was especially nice to have her home today! Having a full weekend day with her was awesome, an awesome opportunity to spend time with her. So chill to be able to eat lunch together, shop and do stuff around the house, hike, and chill while watching a movie together. I was very thankful to get back into the swing of the same old same old!

Presence:

Becky, Gavin, and I went hiking in Beaver Creek Valley State Park this afternoon – I forgot how much I love that area!!! Such a scenic area!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Fighting Ego, Help from Many Others, & Problem Solving

Day 3,413

Growth:

Ego is pretty ridiculous. When it is set aside appropriately we are freed to ask for help and incredible things happen. When we’re at our limits ask for help, others will help carry our burden and be happy to help.

So easy to help others, why is it so difficult to ask for help? Ego…. One of the most difficult enemies to face.

Appreciation:

Today I’m grateful for the many people who helped me out in a variety of different ways over the last week or so. There have been many who’ve volunteered and others who’ve helped after I shared how I could use help. All throughout they’ve supported me, helped me, and made a very positive impact on me. I’m grateful for each of them and all the help they offered up!

Presence:

Today was an awesome reminder of one of the reasons I enjoy my career path, working with a client to help them find the right solution. Asking questions, learning, and getting lost in the conversation before helping to create a solution.

Thanks!!!