Day 3,472

No need to get all verbose today, I spent more hours relaxing on the couch and reading a great book than I have in a long while! So nice to chill, read, take in an awesome story, and go back to one of my absolute favorite pastimes from when I was a kid. I could read for hours on end, today I felt like I could do the same.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,471

Growth:

Enjoy a fun fiction once in a while! Today I had the opportunity to sink my teeth deep into one and I enjoyed every moment of it. Relax, enjoy a story, it’s worth the ride.

Appreciation:

While I wanted a wonderful weather weekend the dark, damp, and dreary weekend was exactly what I needed. Time to chill, relax my mind, read, go for a hike and a walk, calm. Had the weather been nicer I would’ve tried to get more done, this weather helped keep my chill like I needed.

Presence:

Epic game of Battleship with Gavin this evening! It all came down to our final shots, he took a 50/50 shot and nailed it. Though I lost I still took one last shot, another 50/50, and nailed it too! Fun, laughs, a great memory, and time together.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,470

Growth:

Remember to work on, not just in. Take time to zoom out, make sure it’s all lined up in the right direction, and then take action and jump in as needed.

Appreciation:

Sometimes it’s nice to create a pocket of space to have the room needed to work on what must be done. Today I’m grateful for taking the time to do just that!

Presence:

This moment right around sunrise…

Thanks!!!

Day 3,469

Growth:

Once we know what we want, what brings us joy, what fuels us, it is so much easier to find ways to do more of that. In my case I’m finding walking outdoors continues to be one of the most joyful and peaceful experiences. So thankful it is free, simple, and so easily accessible!

Appreciation:

When I think back to the COVID experience of five years ago one of the memories that brings a smile is the fact that we would walk as a family over lunch and then again after supper. We largely unplugged together and enjoyed a simple activity without distraction, an opportunity to be engaged with each other while also being outside.

Over the past couple of weeks Becky and I have been walking more and more often in addition to our morning runs. The bonus outdoor time filled with movement is so calming and very much needed after a busy work day. The extra time to connect with her has been amazing too!

Presence:

Walking in the sun through the cemetery while listening to the climax of an engaging audiobook during lunch… exactly what the doctor ordered to get me re-energized for the afternoon!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,468

Growth:

When in doubt, pullover, find a quiet road, follow it to the dead end, and enjoy the sunrise. You’ll never regret the moments it takes to stand in complete awe of the beauty of nature.

Appreciation:

We always have a choice to make. When facing difficulty and hardship do we choose to suffer and succumb or do we choose to suffer and grow? In choosing growth we move ourselves closer to who we are called to be, we build relationships with those who help to strengthen us, and we find ways to push forward. Here’s to all the people who helped me through difficulty today!

Presence:

Thanks!!!

Day 3,467

Growth:

Live from past mistakes or be doomed to repeat them. Stay disciplined in the moments of stress, tay focused on the strategy the cool mind created prior to challenge. Indifferent flow, nonyielding soul.

Appreciation:

Nothing like subtle reminders of past vacations and memories made with loved ones to bring a smile to a stressful day! Going back through old vacation pics had me smiling as I reminisced. One more reminder of why I need to keep putting the emphasis on creating memories, of experiencing the beauty of nature, and getting myself lost in the sense of awe in the wilderness.

Presence:

This afternoon I took a walk over lunch to soak in some sun, to escape the workstation to the outdoors, to be in motion rather than sitting. Moving, stretching, basking in the sun, enjoying the outdoors, walking around the lake. Exactly the respite I needed today!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,466

Growth:

Clarity, communication, openness, listening – all so important in reaching a goal. Reminders throughout the day and the week of taking the time to clearly communicate goals, to pause and listen to ensure all is understood, and the openness to discuss any possible challenges and misunderstandings. Each reminder a moment of growth!

Appreciation:

Running into a 21 mph headwind is likely no one’s idea of a good time, certainly not mine. That said, Becky and I still knocked out our Monday morning run in spite of the gusty weather. We didn’t talk nearly as much as normal as we were both too focused on breathing with excess air being pounded in our faces, but we still ran it together. Mornings like this remind me of how thankful I am for the shared passions we have, the shared motivation, and the way Becky always seems to help push me to be a better me.

Presence:

Breathing in the studio, literally dripping with sweat, focused on nothing but my breath and the position of my limbs. There’s a blank wall a few feet in front of me, no screens, no sounds other than the instructor’s voice giving direction. Everything else in the world fades away, there is only the motion, the breath, and the moment.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,465

Growth:

Throughout the past month I’m amazed by how many times a lesson or thought from Awareness has rung in my head. The wisdom contained within it has yet to lead me astray, if only I held myself to it in all my actions. A wonderful reminder for me to read this book at least once every three months or so!

Appreciation:

This weekend was full of exactly what I needed more than anything, space and time to relax. My idea of relaxing may be different than others, but time spent walking with Becky in the woods, working on a couple of small projects, and organizing my Saturday around the sporting events of the boys was what I needed. There was also much space to read – both paper and audiobooks. There was time to think, quiet space alone to just be. So much of what I needed to recharge.

Presence:

As a kid I didn’t always (or often) appreciate the work with Dad on different projects around the house. From construction to framing to electrical to plumbing to woodworking to all types of home improvements it seemed he always had something to work on. As I grow older and Dad is no longer with us I can’t help but pause and be grateful for the moments that bring back memories as well as be thankful for the knowledge he passed on through those projects.

This afternoon I was working on a couple of small projects in the campervan and couldn’t help but think back to so many moments shared with him building and fixing, it was a wonderful moment of re-connection.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,464

Growth:

When in doubt, go for a walk. Everything in life is so much easier and more simple when outside, breathing fresh air, and taking in all the beauty all around. So much of life is additional busyness that is unnecessary, a walk reminds us of what’s really most important.

Appreciation:

Super thankful for all of the awesome coaches the boys have been blessed to have throughout their sports careers.

Presence:

So many pelicans! In all out years of living on the island I can’t remember ever seeing this many pelicans during migration before. We’ve been enjoying the literally HUNDREDS of pelicans in the river and in the air this week. On our walk today we watched as approximately three dozens soared and circled above us while others swam and fished on the water. Mind blowing!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,463

Growth:

What is the appropriate balance of discipline and flexibility? Focusing and zooming out? Pushing hard and easing back? There’s a constant grind and friction between each of those forces, wisdom is figuring out the balance. We grow through trial and error, through coaching, through reflection.

Appreciation:

And I’m back after a short respite to snap some pics of the Northern Lights! Nothing quite like the screeching alert of my Northern Lights app to shift my direction quickly! While the clouds may have thwarted my fun I still had a blast!

Presence:

My lunch involved a short hike along the Black River and included literally dozens of pelicans! Just off of one of our favorite trails the pelicans found a place to hang out on their migration.

Thanks!!!