Day 3,677

Growth:

LOL – this one is going to sound interesting, but I’m thankful for the moments when I stop myself from sounding like my dad. For sure, Dad was my hero, someone I looked up to greatly and respected tremendously, but there was something he did that used to drive me bonkers… In the moments in which I catch myself I know he’s smiling while simultaneously rolling his eyes.

Dad was a master of asking me to help, not sharing any direction, taking on the work himself, and then getting frustrated when I couldn’t read his mind. This was usually manifest in the moments in which he was trying to manipulate two or more large pieces of wood in a very short period of time with very serious long term impacts if done correctly. I would do what I thought he would want, he woudl say it was wrong and not give direction, I would guess again, and I would be told I was wrong while he grunted, worked three times as hard, and somehow got the work done while being frustrated.

Sadly, I hate to admit it, but I was way too good of a learner of that habit! I’ve caught myself often doing the same thing, getting just as frustrated, and then laughing at myself for being a moron afterwards. The more aware of this tendency I have become the earlier I start laughing at myself.

This morning I caught myself long before it happened, chuckled out lout, and then had to explain the entire story to a couple of teammates.

Take a deep breath, communicate clearly on what needs to be done, allow time for questions, and then take action. Everyone will be much happier AND the project will be done correctly.

Appreciation:

Gavin has been sharing a few of his college application essays with us over the past week. Each has left me smiling from ear to ear, so proud of the person he has grown into! While I won’t get into the topics (those are his to share), I can say that my heart is beyond full today. Having this opportunity to look at the world through his eyes has been enlightening and rewarding!

Presence:

During a lull in our onsite hiring event my teammates and I got into a conversation on traveling to Iceland – one of my all time favorite conversation topics, no doubt! As we talked about different things to see and experience there my mind kept racing back to the memories created from our trips there. The pictures and videos I shared with the team put me back into those moments, re-living the memory while sharing it with others.

The investment in vacation and travel to create memories and be present – always well worth it!

Thanks!!!