Day 3,134

Twenty two years ago today the crazy late April snowstorm was enough to knock out the electricity in Medford, WI, but it wasn’t enough to stop the two of us from getting married,

Over the past 22 years we’ve been through so many adventures the I still can’t believe we’ve somehow packed so much into 22 years! I’m thankful for each year and each moment I’ve been blessed to share with Becky in marriage.

Spending time today walking back through so many memories together was an awesome gift, on which leaves my soul full of joy. Here’s to 22 years of adventures and joy together and to another 50+ ahead of us!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,133

Growth:

Sometimes the most difficult thing to do is to slow down, rest, and allow recovery. Slow down to go fast in the future.

Appreciation:

What a week of work it has been! So much accomplished, several successes, opportunities to learn – all in all a very fulfilling week! There was a lot to it, but so much to appreciate.

Presence:

This morning I put in my earbuds and went to town on a project I’ve wanted to get done for a while. As I jammed out I was singlemindedly focused on the task at hand and got it done.

Once I finished I turned and saw a new sheet of paper on the table. Turns out I was do locked in I didn’t even notice a teammate walk in, try talking with me, and the set the paper on my table! 😄

Nothing like getting completely lost in a task in a full on state of flow!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,132

Growth:

How many stories are written about someone whose life has been comfortable, easy, and without challenge? We are forged in the crucible of challenges, setbacks, and obstacles, the struggles help distill us into our best selves – so long as we choose a growth mindset throughout those moments of difficulty. The frustrating things have already happened, why not choose to create a positive through it? All we control is how we respond, choose growth.

Appreciation:

I cannot even begin to count how many times I felt pulled towards purpose and values today. I did not live the day perfectly, but I lived it better as a result of keeping both in mind more often.

Purpose and values – what wonderful guiding lights to draw us from the gravitational pull of the drift of a life lived without intention.

Presence:

Nothing quite like turning on the sound cancellation feature on my AirPods, blasting some Rage Against the Machine, and throwing around some weights! My legs and abs have felt thrashed from yesterday’s lift, the same way my shoulders and chest will likely feel tomorrow. Progress isn’t made in moments of comfort, it lies within discomfort. Savor the soreness, it is a sign of growth.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,131

Growth:

There was an inspiring quote shared in the book I’m currently reading that really hit home:

Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life.

Dogen

Appreciation:

About every seven to nine months I get to experience a wildly gratifying sensation, I finish one work journal and start a new one. I’ve found my specific journal style, the Moleskine Pro Hardcover XL, and the unwrapping of the plastic wrap feels better than it has any right to.

When the previous notebook is full I pause and take a little walk down memory lane and reread the previous months’ notes. I prep it to be placed in my bookshelf with the others and often find myself reviewing those as well. I then start the new notebook the same way as its predecessors, I write in my name, cell number, and “Good karma 😄” in as the reward for returning it to me if it was returned.

This whole process is a ritual to remind me of how much I appreciate keeping a paper journal of my thoughts, notes, and tasks. It is incredibly satisfying and is something I look forward to when there’s only a dozen or so blank pages left.

Presence:

Becky and I got our run in together this morning, had a handful of minutes together after work, and only a few more after a work dinner. In the last little chunk of time we laughed and laughed together watching a short clip of SNL with a pair of people who looked like Beavis & Butthead. Sharing a couple moments of laughter was outstanding!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,130

Growth:

Never underestimate the ability we have to make a positive impact in the lives of others through kindness, compassion, and love. The simple actions we take from the heart can lead to smiles and joy, just as others do for us throughout each day. A small action, a little smile, an acknowledgment – it may seem simple in the moment to the person who shares it, but can have a profoundly positive impact on the person who needs it in that moment.

Appreciation:

I’ve read Spin by Robert Charles Wilson at least four or five times now. I know, I’m an odd dude with my penchant for reading the same book multiple times, but there is such joy to be found in the repeated reading of beloved stories.

Though I know what happens I’m always in awe of how much I learn in each subsequent iteration. There seems to be a level of complexity and depth that increases in proportion to number of times I have read it. This most recent reading firmly cemented this book as one of my favorite thought provoking fictions as I realized how much I can learn about myself, others, life, and faith through this story. For sure, it is not a scientific research based book, but through the characters I find myself asking myself so many questions, putting myself in the characters’ shoes, and mentally testing my thoughts. The fiction creates a wonderful vacuum to exercise my mind. Each time I’ve read this book the deeper the thoughts throughout have become.

I know, the only way to find more books like this that I want to repeatedly read is to read more books the first time, but I’m still grateful for the books which compel me to come back over and over again.

Presence:

The song Adagio for Strings was the heart wrenchingly exquisite music played during one of the key scenes in the movie Platoon. In my drive home it came to mind for some unknown reason. As the strings built towards the crescendo the soul piercing high notes brought unexpected tears to my eyes. Such beauty! To be moved to emotion like this by music is amongst my greatest joys in life.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,129

Growth:

A rail to rail day of nonstop fun and excitement at work can be a pretty awesome thing when done in doses. My day started early, ran all the way through, and wrapped up a little late – nothing crazy, but it was an ongoing movement, often going directly from one activity to the next. In the moment it was tiring, but both then and now it was very rewarding as well. I’d done the right things to have everything prepped and ready before the day started, I loaded up the day with a couple of vital breathing moments built in (which were used to take care of the unexpected), and I only have a few days like this lined up back to back. Measured and intentional scarcity to maximize performance, with a couple of days of flexibility and slack built in to absorb the shock at the end of the week.

Appreciation:

Nothing quite like a thought provoking question to stir the brain! It is so easy to make assumptions but such another to keep asking meaningful and productive questions to get at the true heart of something, to at least get the brain thinking differently about something. Today held several well timed questions in many different arenas – sales to leadership to belief to efficiency to recruiting. Pausing to absorb the question and truly ponder multiple answers allows the brain to exercise its logic muscles and work through to the more likely right solution rather than the initial first guess which is just that, a guess.

Today I’m grateful for well timed and thought provoking questions. They added additional beautiful complexity to my thoughts and led me to better insights than had I just made assumptions from the start.

Presence:

Our run this morning was adjusted due to the VP flying into La Crosse today. Rather than going our normal route we had to adjust. This had the unique effect of making me focus more on the run than normal as I wasn’t able to go into my normal auto pilot mode. Nice change of pace, it helped me be much more present!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,128

Growth:

Rather than getting frustrated, pause, take a breath, and choose a course of action that eliminates the frustration. I did just that today while trying to order a part to fix my lawnmower. It took a minute to remember to breathe, but once I did I felt so much better AND found a simple resolution.

Appreciation:

Having the opportunity to see others recognized for high positive character is so gratifying. We all don’t have the same strengths or starting points. Some of those who work the hardest and grit the most aren’t going to win championships. That said, they may have outworked or out gritted the champion, but their efforts are not as often recognized. When they are honored for their drive and work ethic I’m moved to tears. What s wonderful moment that is!

Presence:

Getting outside in the sun with perfect weather AND no bugs – doesn’t get much better than this! Throw in listening to one of my favorite fictions on Audible and is was pretty much perfect. Positively enjoyed my chill afternoon solo hike.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,127

Growth:

There are a lot of things I could’ve done over thirteen or so hours today. Many of them would have saved time later or would have been productive. Instead I focused on sharing time with family and experiencing something they love and enjoy. The time spent traveling to, watching, waiting for the next games, and then driving home were worth every single second.

So thankful we prioritized going to Iowa to watch Dominic’s rugby and surprise him. No better way I could have spent my day!

Appreciation:

I’ve talked before about “nudges,” those times when you feel compelled to take a specific action. I’m glad we acted on nudges and went to Iowa to totally surprise Dominic at his rugby tournament AND bring his girlfriend who we haven’t had much of an opportunity to spend time with in the past. The day was so much more joyful thanks to both!

Presence:

Keeping with the rugby theme – the moment Dominic got the ball, hit the jets, broke a few tackles, and scored from 90+ yards out…. Twice. Wowza!!!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,126

Growth:

Funny how all I wanted to do when I was a kid was to stay up late. Now I’m excited to be in bed before .8:30 on a Friday!

Appreciation:

A handful of years ago one friend got a few of us to read a book he’d read. The first 2/3 were good but it then had about the worst ending ever. To this day we still joke about what half of us feel is the worst book ever and the other half are just wrong 😉 Fun to have this book to bond over!

Presence:

LOL – warming up in a very warm bed after volunteering outside at a cold track meet for a handful hours feels nothing short of glorious!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,125

Growth:

Great idea from a friend yesterday which has been firmly rooted in my brain:

Just start the PowerPoint with a plain black and white template and focus on the visuals later.

Amanda

This nugget was quite a revelation for me as I have a tendency to start building everything all at once and then end up spending too much time on creating something that will get cut as I wrap up the project. Amanda’s advice will definitely save me a lot of time AND will likely improve the quality of my presentations thanks to the additional focus on content.

Thanks Amanda!!!

Appreciation:

Wonderfully told stories are such gifts from their authors! I’m reading Micro by Michael Crichton a few chapters at a time before bed (thanks to Gavin for the recommendation). My current audiobook is one of my favorites, a book version of the perfectly broken in and comfy sweatshirt you were on a quiet and cool fall day – Spin by Robert Charles Wilson. Both stories are dynamic, wonderfully sci-fi, engaging, and full of relatable characters. Exactly what I needed after a handful of very intense nonfictions!

Presence:

Nothing like laughter with my teams! This afternoon I cracked up seeing the incredible artistic rendition one of my teammates created during their monthly team fun event!

Thanks!!!