Day 3,502

Growth:

Remember to provide what is needed, to share helpful and clear feedback without softening. Share with others that which you wish others would share with you. The golden rule, but focused on feedback instead.

Appreciation:

Sometimes we need to be in center stage, other times we should be behind the curtain. Here’s to seeing that difference clearly today and acting accordingly.

Presence:

Sitting on the deck with Gavin last night as we watched the storm roll in… outstanding as always! Grateful for the number of times the boys and I have stopped what we were doing to get outside to feel the storms build and burst!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,501

Growth:

There’s a time and a place to stay with a plan, but there are also times when the plan needs to shift accordingly. This afternoon I realized the prescribed course of action needed to be adjusted and it was amongst the best decisions I made today.

Appreciation:

I kicked off the month of April with a nasty cold / flu bug. While laid up I put a lot of my extra focus into reading. My jaw dropped on Sunday when I realized I’ve read 11 books this month! It’s been an opportunity to reread some of my favorites while picking up some that are new to me.

One of my absolute favorites so far is by Ray Bradbury, Something Wicked This Way Comes. How I’d never heard about it is crazy! I can’t stop turning the pages of this one, it’s quite possibly one of the most intense and horrifying stories I’ve read in a long time!!!

Presence:

Running in the morning as the wind howls and the pressure of an impending storm presses down. Watching the storm clouds slowly build over the bluffs on my ride home. Keeping my focus on both my breathing AND the rapidly moving clouds out the window at yoga. Sitting at home in anticipation of feeling the storm front blow past.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,500

This weekend was exactly what the doctor ordered for a variety of reasons. With all the busyness and chaos within our professional lives this was an epically chill weekend to celebrate our anniversary.

We got an early start to our Saturday, watched Gavin’s track meet, and then headed out to one of our favorite state parks. We almost immediately hit the trail and enjoyed the bliss which can only be found in the woods. A chill evening around the campfire full of relaxation.

This morning we took our time getting up and moving, drank coffee and read as we waited on the weather. Then we were off for another relaxing hike and enjoyed the combination of so many different birds and splendid weather that just kept getting better and better.

Throughout the rest of the day we got things done around the house, had a meal as a family, played a handful of games, and then closed up the night by going through our wedding book and then both baby books. So many awesome memories!

All in all, it was the best anniversary weekend I could have imagined, together and outside.

Twenty three years of marriage, twenty three years of adventures together, so many more to go!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,498

Growth:

Wrap up the week, wrap up the necessary prep for Monday and Tuesday, and go home a little late after a long day. That extra time leads to a significantly more relaxed weekend. Well worth the extra effort in order to chill a little harder until the next work week kicks in.

Appreciation:

Coming home from work, dinner with the family, playing games with Gavin as we wrap up the day. What a blessing to go from starting the day outside with Becky to close up the night chilling as a family. Beyond grateful for the time we all get together!

Presence:

A run in the rain, unencumbered by the weight of stress, only Becky and I (& Leia) running in the raindrops before sunrise. A perfect way to start the day – together, relaxed, active, and outside.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,497

Growth:

It is okay to not be okay. It is okay to admit that we can’t do everything all the time. It is okay to accept that we are human. It is okay to make mistakes.

It is all a part of the human experience.

Fortunately, we get to decide how we respond. We get to choose our attitude. We get to leverage challenges into growth. We get to continue.

Appreciation:

Once a path is determined everything becomes so much more clear. What actions to take, where to go next. Certainly there is some stress, but knowing that there is an end game and plan makes it all so much easier to breathe.

Begin with the end in mind, but so easy to lose clarity along the way. Take the time to see the destination clearly, re-chart the path, and everything seems a bit lighter!

Here’s to getting back to the path, bushwhacking through the bullshit, and getting back to where I should be going.

Presence:

Walking in the woods during a rainy sunrise with the dog, taking in the sounds of birds all around. Being in the moment, having quiet time to think and allow my brain to wander wherever it needs to go. A wonderful start to the day!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,496

Growth:

“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.”

– Bertrand Russell

How do we help change this or help the fools and fanatics walk the path of wisdom? Ask questions… listen… love others, especially those we disagree with.

Appreciation:

We always have a choice to make – sit by idly waiting for someone else to take action or be the change we wish to see in the world. Today I chose action, followed it with more action, and then shared a simple path forward to help others move forward as well.

When things we are most passionate about are impacted negatively do not sit still, move forward and take peaceful action.

To learn more about how to prevent the federal government from shutting down the Ecosystems Mission Area click here…

Presence:

The profound moment of clarity when awareness strikes like a bell in the stillness of the morning. Everything clears, it all becomes so easy to see.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,495

Growth:

Listen to the nudge, take the little extra step, the minimal effort can bring joy for others and yourself as a result.

Appreciation:

Great ideas and stories are infectious and for good reason. They contain ageless wisdom and are applicable to so many for a plethora of reasons.

In my most recent read I was caught completely off guard by the appearance of the Admiral Stockdale POW story. Out of nowhere it appeared and fit snug as a glove.

I’m grateful for the way these stories get passed around from source to source, finding their ways into the hands of those who need to hear them. For those who’ve read them before they are well timed reminders in the moments we need them back on the surface of our minds.

Presence:

Standing in the sun, light breeze, perfect 70ish degrees, enjoying the invigorating fresh air while volunteering at a track meet after work. So chill, feels like spring!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,494

Growth:

One of the gifts my parents and others provided me was resilience. As I grow older I can’t help but realize how much resilience has helped my life. The ability to push through discomfort, to grow towards the long term gain, to have the inner strength to keep going when times get frustrating, to find an away forward. Today I was reminded of how much a positive difference resilience has made in my life.

Appreciation:

Most days I’m a huge fan of my audiobooks while I drive to and from work. They keep my brain sharp and help me learn. Once in a while I really just need some music as motivation, something to help lighten my mood, to set my spirit free. Today I did that and it made all the difference.

Presence:

Running in the rain with Becky to kick off a week… perfect in all of its imperfection. The time outside, regardless of the weather, was the best way to start a week. The added bit of discomfort was a fitting reminder that growth usually comes after we do a little suffering.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,493

What a wild weekend it was! Lots of windshield time, very entertaining rugby, some better than expected hiking, family time, and so many additional moments and memories we will never forget.

While there may have been some collateral damage (RIP my old copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) there was nothing but fun family adventures – and misadventures (I swear the boys were only carrying a dead tent and not a dead body)!

Our first family campervan experience was epic, so thankful for the time we had together!!!

Thanks!!!