Day 3,416

Growth:

So easy to take things for granted when they happen thousands of times each day. As I read the book Breath by James Nestor I’m reminded to pause and appreciate the sensation of breathing through my nose, taking in air, and feeling my lungs expand and contract.

Appreciation:

This morning I realized just how much energy a busy few months can burn up without realizing it. When in the throes of a challenge the adrenaline starts pumping and helps to propel us through the difficulties. Once everything lines up and seems to be on track the adrenaline fades and we’re left facing the sensation of having run a marathon. There are blisters on the feet, the legs feel like lead, and I’m completely exhausted… but it’s time to get up and start running to train for the next race. This is when the real challenge begins, pushing through the discomfort to get moving toward the next goal. This is when we learn and grow, but also when we need to remember to breathe, take care of ourselves, and relax.

Presence:

During our morning run I had to pause to listen to the sound of a very light rain or sleet falling off the leaves of the forest. Such a wonderfully chill sound in the morning before the sun came up.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,415

Whew – it’s been a full day! Lots was accomplished, I pulled aside time to work on a few different projects I wanted to take on. That said, there was a lot of time put towards planning future adventures and vacations! Nothing like spending a significant part of the day on creating future memories, creating experiences we will share with others. When I went on a walk with Becky our conversation often drifted towards the travel plans – a little bonus return on the investment of time without even having travelled yet!

Gotta love days focused on travel 🙂

Thanks!!!

Day 3,414

Growth:

Relaxing is exactly what we need sometimes even when we think we really need to get stuff done. What’s really cool is when we find ways to relax while also being productive.

Appreciation:

With all the travel recently it was especially nice to have her home today! Having a full weekend day with her was awesome, an awesome opportunity to spend time with her. So chill to be able to eat lunch together, shop and do stuff around the house, hike, and chill while watching a movie together. I was very thankful to get back into the swing of the same old same old!

Presence:

Becky, Gavin, and I went hiking in Beaver Creek Valley State Park this afternoon – I forgot how much I love that area!!! Such a scenic area!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,413

Growth:

Ego is pretty ridiculous. When it is set aside appropriately we are freed to ask for help and incredible things happen. When we’re at our limits ask for help, others will help carry our burden and be happy to help.

So easy to help others, why is it so difficult to ask for help? Ego…. One of the most difficult enemies to face.

Appreciation:

Today I’m grateful for the many people who helped me out in a variety of different ways over the last week or so. There have been many who’ve volunteered and others who’ve helped after I shared how I could use help. All throughout they’ve supported me, helped me, and made a very positive impact on me. I’m grateful for each of them and all the help they offered up!

Presence:

Today was an awesome reminder of one of the reasons I enjoy my career path, working with a client to help them find the right solution. Asking questions, learning, and getting lost in the conversation before helping to create a solution.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,412

Growth:

Life is very different when one chooses a mindset of learning and growth rather than a mindset of proving one’s greatness. Feeding the ego leaves us starving, focusing on growth truly nourishes.

Appreciation:

Many different directions to go today – from back into the running routine to coffee with a friend to everything working out to growth to a new mindset to relaxing time at home to seeing the positive impact of a newly created habit. Throughout the the day there were many moments reminding me that there is so much positive all around, we need only watch for it and it appears.

Presence:

The moment when the universe somehow magically clicks everything into place. Magnificent!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,411

Growth:

You just never know what the universe is going to throw your way sometimes! This afternoon I had two interesting curveballs thrown my way, both very positive. Gotta love it when it seems that a little old fashioned good luck seems to strike.

Appreciation:

After many iterations of doing the same project each year for the past two dozen years I found myself having a moment straight from Awareness by Anthony de Mello. Nothing crazy and enlightening, rather a moment of a chuckle in realizing how much I have done incorrectly in the past. Specifically, the moment of realizing that so much of what was done really didn’t matter, it was all for show. This time it was so much more clear, simple, and easy to do AND will likely be significantly more effective than it has been in the past. All I had to do was let go and realize how little the action itself meant, and honor the intent of it instead.

Presence:

I’ve started using a second space a little ways way from my usual office as a space to break away to focus on specific projects. Today that office very much served its purpose as I had to put extra focus into a time sensitive project. Having that quiet time in that space was exactly what the doctor ordered to get it all wrapped up and done!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,410

Growth:

When someone offers to help always remember to say yes. Not only will they help lighten the load, you will likely see them shine! So thankful for heeding that advice today!!!

Appreciation:

Back in the day I used to think it wasn’t okay to not be feeling okay. For some reason I felt as if I had to always be positive, always be happy, and always look at the bright side. Sure, that’s definitely the preferred state, but it’s okay to not be once in a while. It is okay to be in a funk, feeling down, and just feeling off… as long as it is only for a little while and we remember that we can work our way out of it.

Presence:

Running outside early this morning was AMAZING!!! The warmer temperatures and fresh air combined with a starry and clear skies were exquisite! I was again reminded of how the absence of something really helps us appreciate it more, running outside was the perfect start to my day!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,408

Growth:

Life is so much more simple when hiking outside! No stress, no deadlines, no urgency, no phones, no distractions. If we want focused one on one time to connect the time in the woods is one of the best places to create space.

Appreciation:

Each day I’m spending time walking back through my plan for the year. As I go over it again and again I’m finding that there are slightly different iterations sinking in each day, little nuggets embedding themselves into my subconscious that I’m pretty much unaware of until they happen to appear in action. Today was the focus on remembering to watch my mental diet as I was taking in a book about free diving. Another was when I caught myself taking a cold shower for the second day in a row as I start to put together my next four week goal towards my annual goals. It may seem monotonous some days, others I almost skip it as I already have it pretty much memorized, but as long as I rememebr to put in the reps each day I’m seeing progress slowly but surely being made.

Presence:

When Gavin and I took our hike in the bluffs this afternoon we shot the bull and enjoyed the time together. This completely the trifecta for me. Over the past month or so I’ve been out on the same trail with Becky, Dominic, and Gavin solo for a hike. In each case we had a wonderful time talking, connecting, and spending time with each other. While I stated it above I cannot overemphasize how awesome the undistracted and unrushed time together was.

Thanks!!!