Day 2,917

Growth:

Something that never ceases to make me chuckle is the number of times I’m working on something and think about how nice it would be to have a tool from a past training to help out and then realize that the right tool to use is one that I created for a past training. Such was the case this morning as I was prepping for a conflict resolution conversation and wanted a way to help organize my thoughts to maximize effectiveness. Lo and behold, I found exactly what I was looking for, the conversation outline from a difficult conversations training class I created about four years ago!

I should probably remember to turn more of my life lessons into trainings – not necessarily for others, but for myself in the future!

Appreciation:

What was supposed to be an hour of helping Gavin with two quick tasks turned out to be a couple hour long adventure and opportunity for the two of us to bond. We went from home to the DMV to home to the DMV to Kohls to Target and finally back to home. In between we had conversations, plot twists, even cameo appearances! Just when we thought it was over there was even another act waiting as I took Gavin’s soccer coat to him at the Logan homecoming game.

The details aren’t important (though we will both be laughing about them for quite some time), but the time together was priceless even if it wasn’t planned to be that way. As Bob Ross would have said, the entire experience was a happy accident!

Presence:

Sitting on the couch at home enjoying a moment of quiet brought a wonderful surprise, the pitter patter of rain falling outside our open windows. Such a wonderful sound to relax to, deeply centering at any time regardless of what’s happening in the world around me.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,916

Growth:

Gotta love how sometimes divine intervention works out! This morning I got my weekly email from Ryan Holiday (which you can also check out here: https://ryanholiday.net/blog/) and there was a specific paragraph I sent to Becky and the boys.

Everything is an opportunity for excellence. The now famous passage from Marcus Aurelius is that the impediment to action advances action, that what stands in the way becomes the way. But do you know what he was talking about specifically? He was talking about difficult people! He was saying that difficult people are an opportunity to practice excellence and virtue–be it forgiveness or patience or cheerfulness. And so it goes for all the things that are not in our control in life. So when I find myself in situations big and small, positive or negative, I try to see each of them as an opportunity for me to be the best I’m capable of being in that moment. It doesn’t matter who we are, where we are, we can always do this.

Ryan Holiday

This evening I had the opportunity to live into this. I’m not sure that I handled it as well as I could have, but this thought kept rolling through my head and helped to point me closer to the right direction. That said, I really would have been fine with not having the opportunity to grow through dealing with this specific issue this evening 😉

Appreciation:

At the soccer game this evening (source of the thought above in the Growth section) I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the entire crowd. Throughout the years both Dominic and Gavin have played on teams with players from the other high school and we’ve gotten to know the parents very well. In many ways it was a lot like a soccer family reunion! I’m pretty sure I spent more time in conversation with parents wearing the opposing team’s colors than our own, definitely not par for the course.

It was a blast to rekindle friendships and catch up on all the life that’s gone on since we last saw each other, so much more than just the game we all came to watch.

Presence:

My ride home from work was full of a solid silence as I shut off both music and audiobooks to think through an immensely frustrating challenge. That quiet time focused in thought helped me work through the initial emotion and then start developing a strategy for resolution. The silence was deafening and helped drown out the entire world aside from my challenge. So thankful for those moments of quiet to help calm my brain and provide clarity towards right action.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,915

Growth:

Leverage really makes all the difference. Taking time to pause, listen, consider, ask, listen, observe, create, test, re-design, and then implement in the right spot. It reminds me of the story of Dad and I working in the kitchen when he shared the importance of taking time and using leverage (long story – short version is that he showed me up with a simple movement after I was sweaty, ornery, and frustrated).

Today was a day in which it wasn’t my hardest day of work ever, but it is was likely one of the most productive. I took time to listen, to observe, to think, and then to apply laser like focus in the one exact spot which would provide maximum results.

What then really was a growth moment today was seeing how many areas of my work (and life) I should be applying this concept to rather than just reacting or following habit. Where can I make the most of leverage? Today I saw the world differently.

Appreciation:

Business is business, but often times those we work with become good friends in addition to business teammates and associates. Today I was fortunate to have lunch with someone who fits this bill and it was awesome to re-connect! The best part is that there really wasn’t any past business covered, only sharing our life experiences since and trading books and health tips. LOL – may not sound like the most exciting conversation, but trust me, it was awesome (maybe I’m just getting older than I care to admit if I find conversations on diet and health awesome).

What I’m grateful for today is the number of these relationships that continue in my life. They started through business, but have grown beyond that and maintain after the business portion has gone. So much fun to reconnect with friends!

Presence:

What is this? A night at home with nothing going on? A night home alone for a little bit with just the puppy and I? No way!!! This was for reals, a night with nothing going on during the soccer season. Still feels like a dream!

In all seriousness, having a small handful of time alone (while not driving) felt pretty excellent. There have also been pockets with Becky and Gavin too which has really helped it to feel like a very relaxing evening. At this pace I’m going to head off to bed early, maybe read in bed for a little bit, and keep the relaxation going!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,914

Growth:

I’ve written about finding the edges a handful of times throughout the past year. The edges of the comfort zone, the edges of impossibility, the edges of success and failure. When I push to find those edges growth is most likely to occur.

While there’s certainly an upper and lower limit to this next point I’ve found that one of the best times to explore the edges is when I’m tired and run down. There’s a point to which the tiredness increases my nerves and makes everything look a little more clear. If I focus on that sensation and lean into it I seem to find the edges more clearly.

For sure, I won’t run myself ragged just to get to that point, but when it happens I need to remember to have even more awareness, to really push to explore the edges, and to maximize the potential for growth.

Appreciation:

Today there were a handful of interactions which helped as guideposts to living towards my purpose of brightening lives through shared experiences. Each touched my heart at a very deep level in several different ways. Some were in person, some via text, some through email, and some over the phone – all had the commonalities of touching my soul and helping me grow. To each of you who created those impacts today – thank you!

Presence:

This morning I had a moment of extreme clarity at work. In the heat of the moment I forgot one simple step I was going to do and instead ran right into the next item on my list. The moment I realized I had forgotten that one small step this morning caused immediate frustration. As I worked to correct the mistake I paid extra attention to the swath of chaos my mistake made for myself and my team. Afterwards I paused and reflected on how the mistake was made and the leading indicators which could have predicted the likelihood of the mistake being made. I then adjusted and then shared the thought with a teammate for confirmation. Throughout each step I was laser focused so as to learn and grow from the experience. It was painful, but an excellent way to grow and learn!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,913

Growth:

Today a friend of mine told me they were having a bad day. Very honest, open, and full of the grace they were giving themselves. “They can’t all be great days, and this has been a tough one.” This was coming from one of the most positive people I’ve ever met.

I often struggle with accepting and admitting when I have a bad day. My pride gets in the way. The mindset of having to live into a specific role and identity cause me to fake my way through it. I don’t give myself any slack for having a bad day, I try to figure it out and fix it. Sometimes I’d be much better to accept it, give myself a break, and live into a better tomorrow. LOL – even after writing a book about these types of feelings I STILL struggle with them.

Today I’m grateful for the example my friend lived. Not only did I not think any less of her (as I sometimes fear others will think of me if I admitted I was having a bad day), my respect for her grew significantly. I’ll remember the interaction the next time I “have the dips” as Gavin calls them and will respond accordingly.

Appreciation:

Dominic’s college experience is only a month old did I’m absolutely glowing with excitement for all he’s already experienced. I wrote the following to a buddy this evening after Becky and I had been on the phone with Dominic hearing about his week:

We were just talking with him tonight and I’m thinking he’s good for the moment… he’s on the rugby team, the rocket team, is working 10 hours a week as the IT person in his dorm, and just let us know he’s heading up to Duluth to rock climb the sea caves with the Climbing Club this weekend. All that while taking honors classes and studying a few hours each day. Oh yeah, and he’s been out late night longboarding at Prospect Park. Talk about living his best life!

So pumped to hear about how Dominic continues to grow into his best self!

Presence:

There were a couple of meetings today which required my full focus doc attention. While I often blog about something in nature in this section I couldn’t help but focus on how present I was in both of those conversations. They were incredibly important and I needed to be fully engaged to do my best. Being in those conversations that completely led to excellent and productive meeting and next steps. So glad I slowed my crazy squirrel brain down to be in the moment!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,912

Growth:

This morning we had quite possibly the most influential sermon I’ve ever had on the topic of forgiveness. Our priest suffered a terrible tragedy when he was a child when his grandparents were the victims of robbery and murder. He’s spoken on this topic – forgiveness – in the past, but this time in particular really hit home at a deeper level.

What stood out to me the most was the reminder that there must be an accounting of the hurt, of the pain inflicted, before true forgiveness can begin. From there we can work through the process of forgiving the individual, not once, but over and over again while wanting the best for them. This provides the balance of justice AND mercy, what we should all provide others.

I’m grateful for how he pointed out how sometimes this can be easier when it involves someone we hardly know, but more exponentially more difficult when involving someone we know well and love.

This is still processing in my brain, I need to watch it again a couple of more times to let it fully seep in (you can check it out here if you’d like – https://www.youtube.com/live/wNjnmXTfpvA?si=MLUinDNMpupcxcF1&t=1353). So much to unpack, so many levels to process this at to fully get it – at least as much as we as people can do.

Appreciation:

After all the busyness of this past week (or more) today was a beautiful respite. We hit the grocery store early, walked the dog, did some housework, and still had time to kick back and relax a bit. Much of the time we were all heading in our own directions, but there was still a solid chunk of time spent together. Having a little downtime to breathe felt amazing as will the early-ish bedtime this evening.

Presence:

There was a deeply moving moment at church today. I’m still not sure how I got to the exact emotion, but there was such a deep sense of gratitude for my Grandma Lamping that I was almost brought to tears. The older I get the more I wish I would have spent more time getting to know her better, to hearing more of her stories from her own memory. She was an incredibly amazing woman who brought so much joy to my life, but I know I only saw a fraction of the full person she was. Through the stories of others I have started to see how extraordinary she was. Had she lived longer and I matured earlier I feel there is so much I could have learned from her. This morning I couldn’t help but feel more connected to her at a deep level and I was so grateful for the flood of emotions and memories at church this morning.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,911

Growth:

While the final result is what is seen, the unobserved process is often more powerful. The words in my blog are the finished product, but the ongoing thoughts and reflections focused on gratitude throughout the day are truly the most appreciated part of this process. My joy isn’t derived from each post, rather from process and shift of mindset needed to compose it.

Appreciation:

What a day! From La Crosse to Prairie du Chien to La Crosse to Sparta (through torrential rain and hail) to La Crosse to Winona to La Crosse. Joyful reasons for each. Smiles had at each. Memories created at each. They were the bricks which built the day.

I’m also grateful for the mortar that filled in the cracks. Driving through the Driftless. Stopping at the apple orchard. Being smothered by puppy snuggles. Road trip conversations with Becky. Time of quiet contemplation and reflection. Laughs with Gavin. Snuggling with Becky.

The bricks shaped the day in a positive way, the mortar held the joy together.

Presence:

Three moments that stick out today.

• The split second in which both the back hatch if the car close and automatically lock AND I realize my keys are still inside the car. What a centering moment that is!
• The wedding party taking pic with a picturesque sunset behind them AFTER having to push the wedding ceremony back by an hour and a half due to rain.
• Experiencing the joy of a friend living one of their passions. Their smile will not be forgotten.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,910

Growth:

There’s been an idea on my mind for well over a decade and I’ve finally set aside time to take it in this year. If I didn’t take time to prioritize it and block it off in advance it never would have happened. Now that I’ve got it in the calendar I know it will. Funny how one small action (writing it on a certain day on the calendar) was the leverage point to make it happen. Watch for the small steps that will make the biggest impact and use them.

Appreciation:

Today was our Habitat for Humanity day in Winona, one of my favorite days of the work year. The task this year was helping out some landscaping and laying sod. Putting in hard work for a fulfilling purpose really brightened my soul. So grateful for the opportunity to help give back to our community in a meaningful way.

Presence:

Working outside and tamping down the loose fresh soil on a perfect fall day with an awesome breeze was so calming and peaceful. Yes, it was work and I was sweating, but it was so serene at the same time.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,909

Growth:

I’ve started reading Walter Isaac son’s book Elon Musk and have already had to many reminders that we never know the full story of what other people have faced in their lives. Before the first chapter was complete I was in a state of stunned shock at what Elon had witnessed before he’d finished high school. So easy to sit back and judge, so much more difficult to remain open minded and listen.

Appreciation:

Interesting decision to make on this section this evening! I’ve been noodling on it for the past several hours and I’ve finally gotten it narrowed down…

Flexibility really makes all the difference. Being open and willing to adjust means knowing the overall purpose, being able to grow into new solutions, and working with a deeper level of presence. Today involved a high level of flexibility, and in the initial discomfort was Joy around each corner.

Presence:

Super proud papa moment this evening as Gavin’s name was announced as one of the starters of the Varsity soccer game this evening! He’s been busting his butt for years to earn this opportunity and it was so surreal seeing him on the field for the entire 80 minutes of the game.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,908

Growth:

While urgent tasks spring forth from the aether with uncanny speed and consistency the important tasks seem to stealthily slip into shadow. When reminded to focus on the important it can be easy to wonder if I spent too much time preparing, but it is always worth investing the extra energy. The difference this made today will echo for years.

Appreciation:

Balancing grit and grace can be very awkward. Grit means pushing forward, persevering with passion for a long term dream, grace means sometimes being okay with having to pause and rest. Quite often giving myself grace seems to fly in the face of grit and can be difficult to do. What’s interesting is that often the act of giving ourselves grace is helping us grit out the goal and a necessary step rather than an obstacle. Today that was the case and I’m grateful for the grace helping the grit.

Presence:

For real. I’m really not a dog guy, but pausing everything to lay on the couch to let a puppy snuggle right in on my chest and face was a superb way to wrap up my day!

Thanks!!!