Day 3,452

Growth:

Awareness helps us identify the gap between who we are and who we are called to be. When gifted with a moment of clarity like that be sure to take it in, inspect it, and adjust accordingly.

Appreciation:

In each moment there is a decision to be made, choose wisely and the next right decision becomes easier, as does the next, and each after. Likewise, there is a negative inertia of wrong choices. Choose correctly in the morning and the rest of the day is set! Here’s to winning the morning!

Presence:

We may be several states away, but we’re still able to laugh together as a family! I thoroughly enjoyed the laughs and chuckles together this evening!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,451

Growth:

As I’ve found the past few times I’ve read it, Ender’s Game continues to provide engaging and inspiring leadership lessons. While a fiction it has so many moments of leadership that one can learn and grow from. The lessons I picked up from this past read were largely focused on team building, messaging, and delegation. One of many reasons I read this book once a year!

Appreciation:

What a weekend! As I lay in bed typing I’m already halfway asleep, ready to zonk out before the alarm wakes me up for my run in the morning. Lots of bonding with Gavin over the past 24 hours or so, so thankful for each of the moments and interactions we had! We may both be tired, but we were both actively engaged as we had our time together.

Presence:

On our hike this afternoon Gavin and I paused in the woods to listen. We completely stopped and took in the sounds of all the migratory birds singing and talking. So many different call, so much beauty all around.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,450

Growth:

Appreciation:

What a day! Having the opportunity to experience Gavin living out a huge goal was awesome!!! So proud of all the hard work he put into his season, what an experience for him!

Also super grateful for the family who made the time available to share in the moment with him!

Presence:

There may have been some extra suspense, but Gavin’s last lift of the day still blows my mind! The smile and the hug for his coach afterwards left me smiling big time!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,449

Growth:

Simple, focused. Rather than add levels and levels of complexity stay focused in one direction, stay disciplined, and work through it before adding more and more. So many reminders to stay the course, focus on doing the one or two plays better and better.

Appreciation:

I may have only been at our conference a short time, but I made the most of the time there. Professional growth, personal growth, bigger dreams, and more personal connections. So thankful for attending even if it was abbreviated!

Presence:

My goal this week was clear but difficult, “be present.” As the workweek has wound down I can say I have accomplished it thus far! So many more meaningful moments shared with others and in thought as a result.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,448

Growth:

When we start feeling a little too good about ourselves we are usually about to be humbled. Funny how my business ego from two years ago contrasts with itself today, and with good reason. Ego is an interesting thing, positive in some moments, negative in most other moments. The liberation of the soul after being humbled is quite invigorating!

Appreciation:

There have been many thoughts and questions in my mind and soul over the past few months. As I keep seeking direction and answers it seems as if I only find more questions! At least until today.

There were no less than a half a dozen moments in which a specific topic was brought up or mentioned to me by others. As I mentally review I can’t help but chuckle as I realize it was closer to a dozen. The same concept brought up again and again and again.

It all leads back to my personal purpose so wonderfully, especially in hearing how it has truly brightened lives for others and created shared moments with loved ones.

When feeling lost be sure to ask God, The Universe, The Big Dude Upstairs, or whatever your flavor is for a little guidance. Open your eyes, open your ears, open your heart, and the answer will be there waiting for you.

Presence:

So many moments shared, hugs given and received, and fellowship. My soul is full as I consider so many positive interactions from today.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,447

Growth:

There’s a balance between too fast and too slow. One puts you in danger due to unnecessary risk. The other puts you in danger due to unnecessary risk. Find the balance.

Appreciation:

Spending time talking with cohorts about all the similar challenges, successes, and best practices we each have – priceless!

Presence:

While my two hour drive to the airport stretched to almost four hours due to snow I’m amazed at all the moments of deep presence. Certainly the focus on keeping the car between the shoulders, but also moments of being lost in the awe of the beauty of nature, specifically the snow covered trees reaching over the snow covered banks of the creek.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,446

Growth:

Funny how little we actually need. In an ongoing focus on “Less, but more” this year I’ve been keeping this mindset right in front of me. This evening as I pack for a work trip I am realizing it is even more true than I’d expected!

Appreciation:

Throughout the past couple of days I’ve had to be much more intentional on how my time has been spent. This has been tiring for sure, but it’s been an awesome reminder of staying focused in the areas which are the most beneficial. With no time for the superficial I’ve had to ask for more help, delegate more, say no to more things, and be focused on the long term goals. I’m worn out, but in a good cause, and with more productivity than usual!

Presence:

With a nonstop day again running from hitting the road at 5:30am and not getting home until 12 hours later I was able to stay more present than usual as I kept my goal of “Be Present” in the forefront of my mind. At one point I paused to enjoy the ride, shutting off my audiobook, turning off my work brain, turning up music, and then enjoying the ride. Listening to Seminole Wind by John Anderson was perfect with all of the ongoing destruction of our National Park system.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,445

Growth:

Sometimes the simplest goals are the most difficult AND most meaningful. Each month I’m setting goals to help me stay on track for my goals for the year. For each month I’ve set weekly goals to get me to the monthly goals. January I took on too much and only reached 50% of my goals. I got it more dialed in for February and attained all eight goals.

The first weekly goal for this month? Be present. That’s it, simple. That’s also an insanely difficult one to reach, especially knowing the number of directions I am being pulled this week. Why this is important is to keep me grounded where I need to be, not getting to far ahead, not sleeping through something, but being fully present and engaged in each moment. Day one – so far so good!

Appreciation:

What a crazy day! By my count my day had nine different meetings scheduled and was exhausting from start to finish. That said, it felt amazing! Kind of like the sensation of sore muscles after an epic workout, sore but wonderful at the same time. Much was accomplished, so many moments of connection, all seeming to push clearly in the direction of purpose. Epic day for sure!

Presence:

The moment the sunset catches your attention and in that instant you know you are loved by something great enough to create it. Truly moving!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,443

Growth:

Stay focused on that which we can control, remember we always have a choice. Dream big, especially in moments of uncertainty, you never know what you might end up doing!

Appreciation:

I’m not sure how to put this, but I’ll take a stab at it. I’m grateful for understanding my purpose, for understanding and continuing to grow towards a reduced focus on pride and ego. I’m grateful for knowing what is most important for me and realizing that it is not “stuff.” I’m grateful for living within our means while also dreaming big while working to achieve those dreams without adding debt. I’m grateful for putting my family first, for prioritizing the experiences we have together and forever cherishing those memories together.

Presence:

Eating lunch with the family. Chilling on the couches with the family. Playing shuffleboard and laughing with the family. All family, all day, a gift of presence!

Thanks!!!