Author: Michael Kreiling

Thankful for Sharing the Burden, Choices, & Oft Unseen Views of the Driftless

Day 3,406

Growth:

There is only so much one person can do, but there is so much more many can do. Don’t carry the burden alone, share it with those willing and offering to help. Allow them the opportunity to help others, allow yourself the opportunity to accomplish more together than alone.

Appreciation:

Life is full of choices. Some very large, some seemingly insignificant. In each of those choices we choose who we are. Each choice shapes us and molds us. Each can be undone, but each can also slowly add mass to our being. Some choices we seemingly don’t even make, the inertia of life more easily pulls us towards certain decisions. Regardless, we have the opportunity to choose how we respond to each and every single opportunity to decide. May we choose wisely, with intention, and accept all the decisions lead us to. We always have a choice to make, including how we respond to the choices we make.

Presence:

My past couple of days of drives to and from Winona for work have been opportunities to pause and view the majesty of the Driftless. As I’ve passed by the small valleys I’m able to see the frozen waterfalls normally hidden by the leaves of trees now barren. With no foliage the secret twists and turns of small creeks share their secrets, allow a view into their natural beauty normally unseen.

These views make me appreciate this area all the more, increase my desire to hike throughout the woods, to lose myself in the wonder of the Driftless.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Day 3,405

Rather than my typical format, I’m breaking away to give thanks to a book which makes me so uncomfortable for so many reasons. The best books in life often make us face things about ourselves we find difficult to face and easy to avoid. They push us to look deeper into ourselves, they challenge us to see the better versions of ourselves we could become. The self reflection is humbling, the gap between who we are and who we are called to be seems to stretch wider for a moment rather than closing.

That said, they also offer hope. Hope that we can begin to rise as others have, not through their same intense experiences, but in smaller ways, ordinary ways. The role models within the books show us the inner strength we have, the possibility of becoming greater than we are. They offer us hope in spite of showing us our frailty, possibly they are only able to offer hope after helping us see our own frailty.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl is a life changing walk through one person’s experiences of a period of life so uncomprehendingly dark, yet is guided by an inner light which shines clearly for others to see. It is raw, brutal, and so revealing, not intending to be a story of heroism, rather an opportunity for us to see the potential within ourselves. There are so many moments of learning, opportunities for growth, all nestled within its covers. Each time I’ve read this book I’ve set it down shaking my head, feeling a quake in my soul, and feeling changed. It is a true “quake book,” one which changes your landscape forever as a result of having read it.

Here are a few stories of his survival in the concentration camps which really resonated for various reasons:

…But it is not for me to pass judgement on those prisoners who put their own people above everyone else. Who can throw a stone at a man who favors his friends under circumstances when, sooner or later, it is a matter of life or death? No man should judge unless he asks himself in absolute honesty whether in a similar situation he might not have done the same.

…I knew that in a working party I would die in a short time. But if I had to die there might at least be some sense in my death. I thought that it would doubtless be more to the purpose to try and help my comrades as a doctor rather than vegetate or finally lose my life as the unproductive laborer that I was then. For me this was simple mathematics, not sacrifice.

…We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken away from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl is one I will read, and read, and read until the end of my days.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Delegating, Die with Zero, & Pausing to Breathe

Day 3,404

Growth:

Offload the responsibilities others do better so you can do more of what you do better. Slowly but surely I’m learning to delegate… very slowly.

Appreciation:

One of the most positively impactful books I’ve read in the past few years is Die with Zero by Bill Perkins. As I wrapped up another reading of it today I found more ways to improve my long term plans for living my best life. So many insights and usable ideas! I’m looking forward to putting more of the strategies to paper this weekend.

Presence:

Taking a moment to pause, breathe, and relax. There is so much I want to get done, but only so much time and energy to do so. Pause and reflect on what matters most first and take the rest as I can.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Preventing Cognitive Dissonance, My College Social Psychology Class, & a Stunning Sunrise

Day 3,403

Growth:

The cognitive dissonance of doing one thing when knowing we could / should be doing another is incredibly draining. Accept what must be done, do it, and remember that thinking about the other will only lead to exhaustion.

Appreciation:

Throughout the day I had a handful of memories of my social psychology class at the U of M a while back. That class really opened my eyes to the science behind how people interact in groups and has had a lasting impact on me. There were no fewer than three times when the class came up today, each one reminding me to pause, be aware, and consider which actions made the most sense based on the situation. Wherever my TA, Yvette, currently is – thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion of human interaction with us!

Presence:

On my drive to Winona today I pulled over by the lake and just relaxed for a moment. The sky was that wonderful purple-ish pink, the moon was out, and there were hikers atop the bluff watching the sunrise. As if that were not already enough the sun broke the horizon and the sunbeams illuminated the ice overhangs of the climbing routes atop the bluffs. Magnificent!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Atomic Progress, Gratitude Themes Spanning a Decade, & a Gripping Story

Day 3,402

Growth:

While I’ve been tracking many things to start the year I am far from putting up a perfect score for a week, let alone a single day. What’s been most important to me is the pausing to be aware of my thoughts, my emotions, my actions, and my mindset. While there’s a very long way to go I’m seeing the little bits of progress like walking by the Butterfingers bars in the candy dish over half a dozen times rather than grabbing one or two every other trip by. That alone is not going to get me to the fitness standards I want to get to for my backpacking trips, but it certainly helps a little bit each time. Small changes that will all keep adding up over time with daily tracking to keep each action at the top of mind. Even when I fail I’m able to learn from the mistake and figure out a different plan for next time.

Appreciation:

I often mentioned the benefits of writing a blog post each day. The unintentional tracking of life, events, adventures, trials, triumphs, and everything in between has become a wonderful tool for reflection and growth. Sometimes I pull up a random post and read the posts that follow, so many memories are quickly rekindled. This has become a gift to myself, the bread crumbs my mind will need to bring back memories when I want to savor them.

Additionally, there’s another interesting benefit when I couple them with an AI tool, ChatGPT. I had ChatGPT review my blog posts, scour them for their content, and then asked a simply task: Review each calendar year of posts and write a tagline / theme for each year based on what I blogged about. The results were uncanny and certainly thought provoking! Not perfect, but interesting to see what a completely unbiased outside observer thought of my posts 🙂

2015: “Embarking on a Journey: The First Steps into Daily Gratitude.”

2016: “Building Foundations: Establishing a Habit, Discovering Joy.”

2017: “Trials and Triumphs: Choosing Gratitude Amidst Life’s Tests.” – This was the year I lost Dad

2018: “Deepening the Practice: Unveiling Layers of Thankfulness.”

2019: “Embracing the Everyday: Finding Beauty in the Mundane.”

2020: “Resilience in Reflection: Gratitude During Global Uncertainty.”

2021: “Renewal and Growth: Gratitude Fuels Personal Evolution.”

2022: “Strengthening Connections: Thankfulness in Relationships.”

2023: “Mindful Moments: Savoring the Present Through Gratitude.”

2024: “Less is More: Appreciating Simplicity and Presence.”

2025: “A Decade of Thanks: Reflecting on Ten Years of Gratitude.”

Presence:

One of the books I’m currently reading, The Humans by Matt Haig has totally wrapped me up in itself. Time seems to fly by as I get completely lost in the story. I find myself laughing out loud at the humor, having my emotions deeply moved by certain themes, and have to stop for a moment to soak in the concepts just shared. So much fun getting completely enthralled in great stories!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Planning Ahead, an Oasis of Suspended Reality, & Shared Moments

Day 3,401

Growth:

Over the past few weeks I’ve been doing a better and better job of prepping my breakfasts and lunches for work on Sunday so I’m ready to dive right into the week. Left to my own devices I find that I sometimes get in a hurry and grab whatever is available. Other times I let my emotion push me towards something unhealthy as it is an emotional crutch I’ve sometimes hung onto. Regardless, if I prepare my lunches and breakfasts for the week in advance and back them each morning there’s no issue, I follow through on what I set as my default action.

Today I’m reminded of how much this has helped me start feeling better already without any real shift to my diet. I’m still eating what I want, but by taking a little time before I can set a plan to eat food I enjoy in the right portion size and without succumbing to the desire for junk food. One decision early in the week before I go to the grocery store makes an outsized difference the rest of the week.

Appreciation:

This weekend with my friends was significantly more beneficial than I anticipated. So many laughs, so much joy. There was also moments of sharing difficult things, but there were also many more moments of sharing fun times like vacations and talking about family. Throughout it was like I could just let my shoulders relax and just be, without any responsibility, without any stress, and without feeling the need to filter anything I thought or said. We shared professional successes and frustrations knowing that we were understood by the others and were able to gain both support and advice from each other on those matters. It was an oasis of suspended reality used to rekindle friendships and recharge the soul.

While one cannot live outside of reality for very long the impact of that time away can keep providing positive impacts for many months afterwards. Taking time in this protected little bubble creates space for insight, for learning, for understanding, for growth. Everything else outside still awaits, but it is all seen just a little more clearly – very similar to a vacation.

Presence:

There have been a handful of moments of presence that stick out. Watching a stand up comedian with my friends and laughing until it hurt. Listening to a wonderful audiobook. Talking with Mom about her camper expo experience. Getting home to hugs from Becky and Gavin. Catching up with both of them and then going for a walk in the woods. The enjoyment of making my meals for the week, adjusting recipes based on past experience. Relaxing with Becky. Taking the time to blog now. All wonderful moments, almost all shared.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Lifelong Friendship

Day 3,400

Tonight as I lay in bed I can’t help but be appreciative of strong friendships spanning four decades. My blog post will be short as I’ve spent the day sharing laughs, talk, memories, music, and fun with lifelong friends – so much so that I’m exhausted and ready for sleep. While the post may not be long I cannot overstate how much I appreciate friends who get us, who love us for who we are, and who always will be there for us.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for a Deeply Thought Provoking Question, Running with Becky, & the Calm

Day 3,399

Growth:

There is a part of Fahrenheit 451 that really pulls at my soul. Clarisse is a joyful spirit who creates happiness in so many little moments of life, like tasting raindrops fresh from the sky. As she interacts with Montag it becomes readily apparent that she cannot comprehend how he is so unhappy, why anyone who is alive doesn’t feel the same joy as she does.

Montag, on the other hand, is woefully unhappy, though he has been for so long that he doesn’t even quite realize it until Clarisse wakes him from his slumber with a simple question:

“Are you happy?”

From that moment on the seed of question, of awakening, germinates and starts to take root.

As I re-read Awareness by Anthony de Mello (again), there was a moment which struck like a church bell on a cold and still winter morning. de Mello shared a story of awakening versus being asleep and it was almost word for word the soundtrack of Montag’s thoughts immediately after the question. As a result of Clarisse’s simple and innocent question Montag was awakened and spends the rest of the story in search of the enlightenment of Clarisse.

The first time I read that question in Fahrenheit 451 I paused and was almost brought to tears. I read it, reread it, and reread it. To see it appear through the fog from another beloved source was astounding.

A simple question we call ask ourselves at any time, “Are you happy?” Ask, pause, listen to your soul, and respond with gusto. I’m thankful I did.

Appreciation:

Once the boys were old enough for Becky and I to leave them home alone we started a habit which continues to this day. Three mornings each week we knock out an early morning jog. This has been an invigorating way to get exercise in with regularity AND have some guaranteed quiet time for the two of us.

After so many repetitions it is easy to forget why I appreciate this so much. This morning I was reminded of how grateful I am for starting my day with her, the opportunity to connect before the chaos and busyness of life. I can’t think of a habit which has provided more long term joy on so many levels.

Presence:

With the busyness of life at the moment I find myself relaxing alone in an unknown house. I sit in the bathtub and enjoy the quiet sound of nothing. My mind is calm, my soul at peace. Relaxation and quiet in the calm of the storm.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Positivity and Mindset, Next Steps on the Eagle Project, & Scenic Sunsets

Day 3,398

Growth:

Attitude and positivity beat skills every single time, no question. When we are under duress it is easy to focus on skill, when we have time and breathing room we can look for a mix of both. I’m regularly being reminded of the effectiveness of mindset.

Appreciation:

Gavin’s project is one step closer to being complete! One of my favorite parts of the Eagle Scout project is having to get approval through a public hearing as it is such a unique opportunity for Scouts to get. Public speaking, government action, presentation, preparation, troubleshooting – so many skills are allowed to grow in this environment, I’m so glad he had this opportunity!

Presence:

I am totally loving the sunsets this week! Spectacular colors to match up with the scenic river valley views. Need I say anymore than this picture from this evening?

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Calling an Audible, Right People, & Clear Thoughts

Day 3,397

Growth:

Sometimes you just gotta call an audible, even though there were plans in place. Today was a reminder that the goal is much more important than the plan!

Appreciation:

Yet again I’m grateful for the ability of the right people to hold themselves accountable, to be proactive in what they do, to need direction rather than pushing. The right people do the right things at the right time for the right reasons, and it is so rewarding to see them in action. While I’ve interviewed so many people over the past couple of months I’m beyond grateful for the small handful we’ve brought onboard, they’re making a larger positive impact and contribution than I could have imagined!

Presence:

Sure, I usually prefer to keep my mind focused on my breathing and stretching in yoga, but tonight in the quiet space I found a couple of quick and clear answers to challenges I’ve been facing. The clarity of the solutions was a result of temporarily relaxing my mind and giving myself space. In that space, in that moment the answer appeared like lightning, almost knocked me off balance and then just as quickly retreated to the back of my mind once it knew it had been seen and would not be forgotten.

To those moments of clarity which only come after much hard work in a time of quiet.

Thanks!!!