Day 2,169

I’m continually impressed with how the right lessons seem to hit at the right time.

I’ve been on a Thomas Merton kick as of late. The lessons from his books have been resonating louder and more clearly than ever before. I’ve the last week many of my actions have been guided through his teachings and have led me to better live into what is starting to seem more and more like my purpose. What a wonderful gifts those lessons are!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,168

Many miles of hiking today with Steve. The trail segment had many stunning views of the mountains, the basin, and everything in between. At one point we crossed a stream that I could have sat by for hours – so serene!

The views were certainly a bit of a challenge to get to. One single six mile stretch of the hike was a constant incline. It was brutal, but well worth it.

As I lay in my tent I am feeling 100% spent. And it feels amazing!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,167

Our campsite tonight is about half a mile away from the nearest water source. To get all the water needed for the night I made the trip twice. During those trips – so simple in nature – I had a profound sense of purposeful peace.

I need water to live, thus I needed to go get water. This wasn’t a on extra thing, it wasn’t a diversion, and it wasn’t for fun. It was because it had to be. In that moment life was stripped down to what was needed from what was wanted. I was doing exactly what I should be doing in that time.

Something about the clarity of purpose, the freedom from distraction, the simplicity of the task, and the fact that it was all outdoors and in the mountains created such a peace. What a beautiful moment!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,166

That was quite the drive today! It was dark when I left and dark when I arrived. Other than a few gas station stops and a Walmart run I drove straight through, 15 hours.

What I’ll most likely remember most is a day in two parts. On my way out I watched the sunrise over the bluffs in the rearview mirror. On the way into town I was blessed to watch the sunset over the mountains in Colorado. Stunning beauty on both ends. Contemplative quiet time in between.

What a wonderful day!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,165

Wowza!!! Today I officially launched my book, Rise: My Journey through Grief to Growth at https://mikekreiling.com/book/ The response has totally blown my mind.

Hugs, comments, memories, smiles, laughs, and a few tears have all happened in various volumes throughout the day. I go to bed tonight feeling completely overwhelmed in a wonderful way.

My hope of this work being a ripple of positivity for someone who needs it seems to be coming true. For everyone who send a note, text, message, or comment today – thank you, thank you, thank you. I’m feel so humbled and honored to have been in your thoughts today!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,164

When I started finding pictures for Becky’s birthday I noticed that most had something in common…

They were almost all outside!

One of the many things I love about Becky is her passion for the outdoors. Spending time with her outside is usually some of my favorite time. Seeing how much time we spent outside together this past year of her life has me smiling big time!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,163

As I get closer and closer to setting my secret free into the wild I’m getting little sneak peeks into the future. What I’m finding is that the reward is already so much greater than I ever could have imagined.

Through this experience I’ve been able to dig more deeply into what makes me tick and why – and what should make me tick and why I should push myself out of my comfort zone to pursue it. So much self reflection and looking inwardly, working on myself. As this project has recently eclipsed the five year mark this is where most of my focus has been – inward.

As it is slowly sneaking out I’m already beside myself at the ripples outward. I’ve already received a response to it which has made the entire project worthwhile. No, not a monetary response – that was never the intent. Rather, a response of increased joy. My work has brought joy to another – as a result of a very challenging time and hours of writing my pain and hurt have been transformed into joy for another. I could not hope for a better ripple to leave behind as a legacy.

At yoga tonight the sticker on the floor in front of me said “Make a Ripple.” As I witnessed the ripple at the beginning of our practice I could t help but chuckle to myself. Make a ripple? Check!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,162

One of the benefits of daily blogging is something that has taken me quite some time to see. Sure, I know it is happening, but just like trying to notice the growth of a tree it is to be measured in years, not days.

By pausing to write each day I’m taking time to travel inward. Not in an egotistical way, rather a trying to figure out how my brain works kind of way. The time to stop and think really helps me focus on the gap between who is am and who I am called to be. What’s interesting is that along the way this blogging time really has really been helping me see more clarity to the other side of the gap – helping me see where I’m really trying to go. So often I focus on the gap itself and figure out how to close it, in many ways I should be focusing more on the other side, the goal. As I blog each night it seems there’s a little more clarity. I’m focusing on the things which seem most right, the ideals I’m seeing as where I should be working towards.

Blogging has significantly increased the joy in my life through the focus on gratitude. By vigilantly focusing on gratitude I seem to be shaping a better picture of who is should be growing into. What an interesting side benefit of blogging!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,161

Such a list of appreciation today! There have been many moments of insights, beauty, and joy – how best to distill them? After thinking on it a bit, I think there were several nuggets of wisdom to be pulled from the day to help me in the future. In order to help my future self out I’m going to blog some short notes for Future Mike to remember.

• The journey can be as rewarding, if not more than, the destination. The scenic drive to Platteville was gorgeous! Driving through the Driftless is soothing for the soul.
• Remember the importance of growing slowly. Fast growth is almost always the preference, best often slow and focused growth leads to the best long term success.
• Be less quick to judge and remember that I was not so long ago in the place I am now judging.
• Time with old friends is always worth the time and the side trip.
• Remember my purpose, my calling, and my dreams and be less distracted by tempting diversions. The diversions are the soft sweatshirt to snuggle into in the cold, while the purpose driven activity is often the shirtlessness in the freezing cold. One may be more comfortable, but only one leads to growth and joy.
• Giving – such a simple act, rewards exponentially greater than the gift itself. If I remember to give it is an upward spiral of joy and gratitude.
• The nature of the rain is the same, yet it produces thorns in the swamps and flowers in the garden. The natural beauty of the hike or the burning of the nettles – which shall I choose to remember and focus on?

Thanks!!!

Day 2,160

What a year it has been for Dominic! He has grown so much over the past year – physically and mentally. Watching him play soccer this year is so much different than last year and encapsulates so much of the change.

Dominic busted his butt training before track season and through the summer and all that hard work is paying off in his speed and athletic ability. He’s grown as leader through helping Gavin and others throughout summer practices. His position on the field is better as he’s put more time into studying the game – similar to how hard he works at studying and class.

So much growth over the past year, so much due to Dominic’s hard work. So proud of the adult he is quickly becoming!

Thanks!!!