Day 3,462

Growth:

Everything in life seems to be easier and makes more sense when I’m walking in the woods. So quickly that which feels important but likely is not melts away and all that’s left is a sense of relaxed awe.

Appreciation & Presence:

My day started with a beautiful drive through a winter wonderland with pristine skies as the sun rose over the Mississippi River Valley and my day wrapped up with an awesomely refreshing walk in the woods watching the mass migration of birds as the sun set over the Mississippi River Valley. A day bookended in the stunning scenery of the Driftless.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,461

Growth:

When in doubt wake up early and go for a run. Not only will you never regret it, but sometimes you’ll happen to catch the nicest part of the entire day! The weather on our run this morning was almost perfect, and then completely fell apart as the day went on. Not only did I get my exercise in with Becky, but I got to enjoy snow free roads!

Appreciation:

And I’m spent. The past few months have all hit hard, time to rest and recover. Here comes a great night of sleep, very much needed.

I’m grateful for realizing I can’t sprint forever, I need to remember to rest up and pace myself, I’ll be more productive over s longer period of time. I’m also appreciative for being able to put my ego aside and admit I am human.

Presence:

A quiet night at home, relaxing, and hitting the rack early. Not too bad at all once in s great while!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,460

Growth:

When you get exhausted remember to rest and recharge before your motor burns out.

Appreciation:

Is there much better feeling of accomplishment than finishing up a project you’ve been working on for literally years? Tonight I wrapped up a game I’d been working with Gavin to build and it is finally done – woo hoo!!!

Erasing that project from my board felt great, the memories created as we made it were even more fulfilling.

Presence:

A lone bald eagle sat upon the remnants of a goose nest in the backwaters of the Mississippi River as I crossed the state line. I so love the migrations seasons on the Mississippi Flyway!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,459

Growth:

Stay focused when needed, be flexible when appropriate. Rather than immediately responding take s moment to pause, consider, and intentionally choose the right course of action.

Appreciation:

Becky’s working on something and was looking for some specific quotes to use. Within five minutes I pulled about a dozen from my Notes app from books and stories I’ve read. In the midst of that search I couldn’t help but smile as I read many of the quotes, quickly remembering where I’d heard them before and why they mattered enough to write them down.

While it isn’t technically my personal writing it was a reminder of why it is so important to write out those quotes, lines, and ideas we encounter, they are so much more likely to stick with us that way!

All too often I write to find out what I think about a topic, not because I already know.

Presence:

Yoga…. Ahh…. So grateful for the moments of yoga chill after a nonstop day of adulting.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,458

Growth:

When I think back to fond memories of Dad they often involve working on a project together. Always keep an eye open for opportunities to do the same with the boys! Today Gavin learned how to winterize the campervan and we enjoyed the time together.

Appreciation:

The four of us went to church together this morning and it was wonderful! Nothing quite like that feeling of the entire family together, especially in the rides to and from church. So grateful for those moments when the four of us are together.

Presence:

Walking in the woods is one of my favorite activities. Today I got so caught up in watching the pelicans migrate overhead and the eagles soar that I totally fell way behind Becky and Gavin! So caught up in the moment that I lost track of the moment!

Thanks!!

Day 3,457

Growth:

When in doubt make the drive and create memories. Similar to yoga, you’ll never regret it!

Appreciation:

Somewhere along the way we started a tradition of sharing vacation photos with the rest of the family shortly after each trip. As a family we huddle on the couch and enjoy the travel experience with each other. We enjoy the photos, laugh at the stories, and share our joy with each other. Such a gift for each of us after travel!

Presence:

Spending time talking with Gavin while hanging and folding laundry. Spending time with Dominic driving back from a hike. Spending time with Becky as we hiked in the park. Spending time with myself (& Leia) walking in the woods. All special and specific moments of presence, all deeply joyful.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,456

Growth:

There was a quote from one of my favorite books that really hit home today.

As one of the main characters is about to die and says the following to his friend as they sit under a tree. His friend is expressing how much he will miss him when he’s gone and he says…

Come and sit in my shade, see the sunlight through my leaves, and rest your back against my trunk.

Human, The Speaker for The Dead by Orson Scott Card

Appreciation:

In between the busyness of the work day there are still opportunities for moments to be in awe of the natural world. Today my soul was filled by a moonset in the bluffs, an icy geomorphic gem, and an epic sun halo.

Presence:

Drinking in the sun over lunch on the first day of Spring tickling 80 degrees…

This was taken while laying in my back on a picnic table with no shirt on about a mile down a quiet hiking trail. Just laying there and drinking the sun!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,455

Growth:

Be present where you need to be in each moment. So easy to slip into thought about something future based and miss a step in what really needs to be done in that moment. Sometimes this means letting others know you are not available until the task is done, that is more kind than listening without being present. Remember, saying yes to something also means saying no to something else.

Appreciation:

I’m still not quite sure how today flew by so quickly, but it certainly did! From my morning run to dropping off a dog to telephone campervan tech support to kick off the day. Somehow the work day went by even more quickly! I’m exhausted but feeling very satisfied, many positives throughout, feeling purpose driven.

Presence:

Definitely a memorable moment this morning – me getting home after my run at about six and finding the lights on in the house and the meeting Gavin as he is heading to school to get a morning lifting session in! Kind of fun seeing both of us up and moving that early!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,454

Growth:

The best training happens in the field, in real life, and shared with others. When in doubt get outside of our comfort zone, get out face to face, and share knowledge with others.

Appreciation:

Super proud of Gavin for so many reasons today. While he had some big successes in his powerlifting season I’m most grateful for his work ethic, his drive, his growth mindset, his enthusiasm, and his teamwork. Results are arbitrary in so much of life, how we live is completely within our control. He’s lived it right over the past few months and I’m so proud of the person he continues to grow into.

Presence:

The moment the setting moon was in perfect alignment with the road I was driving on. Wowza!!!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,453

Growth:

Interesting to see just how much of a positive impact my 2025 one page goal reminder tool has had on my behavior. Certainly still gave a long way to go, but almost every day I’m finding my behavior nudged to the better by a little bit.

Appreciation:

I was going to go in a different direction, more professional, but then laughed as I realized there was something I was way more grateful for today – hearing about the adventures Dominic and Becky are having in Utah! It was so awesome hearing about their experience going up Angel’s Landing, my heart is so full knowing they are creating so many memories together! Very grateful for their time together.

Presence:

Sometimes we just need to get outside. Some nights we just need to get more time outside. Huge thank you to Gavin for busting out the patio furniture so the two of us could get fresh air and enjoy a distraction free dinner together!

Thanks!!!