Day 3,217

Growth:

As one of my mentors once shared, “when you feel uncomfortable you are growing.” Here’s to much growth over the past six months! In reviewing the past half year of work there has been much discomfort, but I’m optimistic that it will lead to growth.

Appreciation:

My heart goes out to all those who live in Jasper, AB. The news of the wildfires raging through their community left me in tears. Such a majestic town, such natural beauty surrounding it. To hear that 30-50% has burned by flames over 300’ tall is devastating. Thoughts and prayers to all those impacted by the wildfires.

Presence:

Relaxing and playing in hammocks in the front yard with Gavin, pretty sweet way to wrap up the day! So chill just floating outside, my mind makes the traffic sounds disappear while I focus on the sounds of birds, the breeze, and my wind chimes. Life is better and more simple outdoors.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,216

Growth:

Pausing to observe without comment or judgement can lead to very bright moments of insight. In working with a teammate today the two of us were able to pick out a couple of key concepts to focus on in order to lead to future successes. Had we just kept working away we likely would have missed the insights, so glad we took the time to zoom out!

Appreciation:

After getting home from work I quickly found myself alone at home except for our pup, Leia. Gavin’s hammock was swinging in the wind and I took the hint. I changed out of my work clothes, grabbed my current book, and took Leia outside with me. We spent the better part of a half hour chilling on the hammock, relaxing, enjoying the book (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), and basking in the perfect summer weather. Such a perfect way to unwind after work today.

Presence:

While reading a specific hunting scene in The Comfort Crisis I couldn’t help but think back to the time I was sitting with Dominic in a blind while he was hunting. The moment of the buck walking up, Dominic’s focus, the split second of the shot, and the excited nervousness afterwards are so vivid in my memory. Talk about a moment of complete presence!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,215

Growth:

In going back through my notes today I came across a handful of gems that I wanted to save. Here’s a sampling of those quotes and ideas:

• “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, “What??? You too??? I thought no one but me…” CS Lewis
• “If things are heavy, what is weighing you down?” Lynn Coburn
• Why do I always “shine up” my results? Why do I let my ego get in the way and prevent learning?
• The Hypothesis of Earned Dogmatism: the fear of falling backwards after being self-identified as an expert
• When we share our joy it multiplies, when we share our burden it divides.

Lots of food for thought this evening!

Appreciation:

I am so thankful for all of the notes I take in my journals at work throughout the year! Today I spent time reviewing notes from the past year-ish to walk back through all of the changes and events in an effort to learn where to go next. By going through page by page I was quickly transported back in time and could see when things started to creep up, I changed direction, or there was a great idea that wasn’t quite ready. In digging through I was able to start putting together a better plan for 2025 as a result. More work to be done on that front for sure, but this was a productive start thanks to keeping all of my notes in my journals.

Presence:

This evening we had dinner as a family with just the four of us and it was profoundly awesome in its perfect simplicity. As we’ve done for many years but haven’t done quite in the same manner nearly as often in the past year, it was just the four of us talking about nothing important, sharing a meal, and enjoying each others company. At one point I just paused to take it all in. It felt so wonderfully right.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,214

Growth:

This morning I was pausing to go over my task list for the day and I found myself pouncing on the “doing” activities rather than the more ethereal “thinking” activities. Once I was aware of the choice I was making I remembered the leadership lesson Dominic learned a couple of weeks ago and found the joy and satisfaction in the “thinking” activities. A couple returned almost immediate results as the behaviors of others involved changed rather quickly in a positive way!

Appreciation:

Just yesterday I wrote about Gavin enjoying a book we started reading together, The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter. Today when I got home from work I was greeted with “Dad, I read the chapter about boredom being a good thing so I decided to take a ‘Boredom Break.’ I sat my phone and the book down, laid back in my hammock, and did nothing but sit and meditate for 20 minutes. It was great!” Talk about music to my ears on so many levels! 🙂

Presence:

Nothing quite like the bonus exercise to get to the exercise! Tonight Becky and I rode our bikes to yoga. Not a crazy distance or anything, but a nice way to warm up our legs before an hour of hot yoga. It seems that the more ways I can find to add in some bonus exercise the happier I am.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,213

Growth:

Nothing quite like real life learning moments for new drivers. Today Gavin, who is just about to his fifty hours of supervised driving time for his license, got to experience what happens when you encounter an intoxicated driver. Once we identified the issue by the erratic driving I contacted the police and we hung way back from the intoxicated driver. Fortunately, they were stopped relatively quickly and without causing an accident.

Throughout the entire situation Gavin soaked up the experience. Such a great learning opportunity for him, both the driving and taking responsibility to take action.

Appreciation:

I may have created a monster, but a monster I’m excited to spend time with! As soon as Gavin hit in the driver’s seat he asked, “What book are we going to listen to, Dad?” After a little bit of discussion we settled on The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter. The minutes of driving melted away as we’d occasionally pause to share some thoughts and ideas from the book. We’ve already got some crazy dreams to try out, and we’re barely a third of the way in.

Dominic just read it a week or two ago and has started implementing a couple of the concepts.

I’m so grateful for the boys’ interest in reading, especially the overlap between the genres of books we enjoy. We get so much more to talk about and have a shared language to discuss things we are passionate about. More ways to bond!

Presence:

This weekend we hung out with my mom, my brother, & their families in central Wisconsin, our annual opportunity to get away from the busyness of life to hang out together. We had a great time, grateful for all of the moments we shared, especially playing games by the campfire last night!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,212

Growth:

Not sure if this counts as fourth or fifth person 😉, but the book I’m reading shared a quote that President Truman had highlighted in his copy of Marcus Aurelius’ book, Meditations. It was an insightful thought that I’ve been thinking of often today.

“If it’s not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it…. First, do nothing thoughtlessly or without a purpose. Secondly, see that your acts are directed to a social end.”

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Appreciation:

Almost an entire day of being outside with family! Reading on the screen porch, riding bike, kayaking, relaxing and talking with my feet in the lake, mini golfing, and playing games around the fire pit. Family time and being out – what a combo!

Presence:

Those quiet moments in the morning drinking a cup of coffee inside a screen porch overlooking the lake while reading a good book and listening to bluejays before the rest of the world wakes up. Such serene moments of stillness!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,211

Growth:

Remember to give myself a little grace when my body is a little beat up after a big physical event (like last week’s 50k). After marathons I gave myself a week to recover, why would I be surprised my body is a little slow to loosen up after going further.

When I paused to walk during a normally easy run today I reminded myself of the above and enjoyed the sensation of walking.

Appreciation:

There is a difference between living a life in drifting from one minute to the next and a life lived intentionally and with purpose. The past handful of years have helped me realize which I find more beneficial.

So many reminders have recently appeared in my life and have helped me stay closer to the path I desire. Grateful for each of those moments!

Presence:

Laying out in the sun, enjoying time on the water with family, so much outside time. Perfect!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,210

Growth:

Sleep is a wonderful gift we have the ability to give ourselves. Last night and this morning I enjoyed it and got the almost nine hours I needed. So refreshed!

Appreciation:

This week is almost done, woo hoo!!! What a profoundly memorable lesson in not taking on too many challenges in one week. This was a wild one that has me feeling completely zonked out. So much progress, lots of growth, and many positive moments, but also way too rushed. Had I spread this all out over two weeks life would have been more satisfying and productive. Live and learn!

Presence:

Conversations with friends who truly and deeply understand and appreciate the struggles we have in our careers are such catalysts for presence.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,209

Growth:

Choosing the right mindset

I’ve shared that this week has been a nonstop thrill ride with more twists and turns yet to come. As I was wrapping up my preparation for a presentation this morning I felt a bit overwhelmed. Even with all the preparation I still felt stress from both the presentation itself and all the stuff to follow shortly after with tight deadlines.

Something clicked in my head and I froze. Presenting like this is one of my favorite things to do, why was I stressing and not enjoying it? In that instant I’d realized I had my mindset all wrong. This wasn’t work, this was an opportunity to play.

With that mindset everything shifted. I was suddenly in a much better mood and I focused on how much I was going to enjoy the engagement. That shift was exactly what I needed.

Intentionally choose my mindset, don’t let stress, busyness, and other factors set it for me.

Appreciation:

Whew, I’ve made it almost to the end of the workweek! This has been a wild one, one I probably packed way more into than I should have. I’m fried, exhausted, and ready to crash for the night, but I’ll do so with a strong sense of accomplishment. So much done, so many positives started, now it is time to breathe for a moment, get a good night of sleep, and execute in the morning!

Presence:

As I drove to the presentation I took a quick detour and drove out to the spillway. I parked the car, turned on some chill music, and just stared at the beautiful Mississippi River Valley. Such peace and calm to be found in a moment.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,208

Growth:

We all are wired slightly differently. The world is such a better place when we:

A) work to develop awareness of how we are different

B) listen to and engage with others actively to better understand how they are different

C) set aside any desire to “help” them be more like our flavor of different

D) work together to blend our different strengths and weaknesses to become better together.

Appreciation:

So thankful for my work family! We celebrated the first half of the year and started making some progress on strategies to grow in the second half of the year. More importantly, we took time to get to know each other better and built stronger relationships. Throw in some time on the river and it was a wonderful and productive way to spend a work day!

Presence:

Going through a practice run of my presentation this morning was exactly what the doctor ordered. Timing the presentation, tightening up the phrasing, and putting a laser line focus to completion was an engaging way to start my day!

Thanks!!!