Day 3,718

Growth:

It’s all about realistic expectations sometimes. My run this morning wasn’t about getting my fastest run in, knocking out as many miles as possible, or any such goal. Rather, my goal was to run as much as I could without issue in my first run back from the stomach bug I caught over Thanksgiving. I had to remind myself of that goal a few times, especially after all the bouncing from running caused me to have to walk for a little bit or not achieve my goal. All that said, I set the appropriate expectation and had success!

Appreciation:

A quiet night at home with Becky after work with no plans and no agenda, a snapshot into what empty nest life holds for us in about 10 months. Crazy, different, but so satisfying on a different level! Having a plethora of time is something we never would have imagined possible a handful of years ago, we were constantly running in three thousand directions at once for the boys and different events and whatnot. To have a chill night like this helps me see that while I’ll miss my boys, I’ll enjoy the opportunity to get back into other old habits and hobbies, while also still maintaining strong relationships with the boys as well.

Presence:

One of the fun little “Year End” reviews I really enjoy and look forward to each year is the Apple Music review of my top song, artists, and whatnot from the past year. so often the top songs are tied back to great memories and it’s a sweet little “memory teleportation nugget” to refresh some of those moments. One this year was totally tied back to one of the long weekends I had with my best friends, a song they recommended was #4 for me this year. Song #11 hit that level because Gavin and I drove past its namesake city on our road trip to Canada. Dominic, Gavin and I still make cracks about Song #6 and the moment it stuck in my brain. What an effective implement for remembering great moments and experiences!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,717

Growth:

Funny how we can appreciate something on one spectrum for long before even starting to see another side of the same thing. Case in point for me was a double header for me today – a song I’d never really appreciated the lyrics to and a book that I saw through a different perspective.

Faded by Alan Walker is one of my all time favs (check it out here) due to the music itself. Tonight I happened to pause and enjoy the lyrics when it came on… wowza! I appreciate that song even more now!

Spin by Robert Charles Wilson is one of my favorite fictions, I typically read it about once every 18 months, there’s something about it that just seems to stick. While I’ve often read it with the very obvious perspective of the main character it seems to be a whole other ride this time around as I paid more attention to the story telling itself this time.

How many things in life could be appreciated more deeply, more completely, by taking a moment to consider it from a slightly different perspective?

Appreciation:

Remembering to take time to slow down in order to go fast. so much easier in concept than in reality. In taking time to rest up from being sick I can already tell how much quicker I am starting to get back to full strength. Sucks to not be active, to slow dow, to not do what I want to do, to go to bed early, but all helps me get back to full speed and doing all I want much more quickly.

These past few days have been very different than planned, but I feel like I’ve used them to my best of my ability to get back up and running. Back to the reality tomorrow, I’m sure I’ll feel much better tomorrow knowing that the past few days will have paid off in recovery.

Presence:

Getting lost in a compelling story. Losing oneself in the midst of moving music. Being completely devoured by the awe inspired by the beauty of nature.

The moments that transcend our individual consciousness.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,716 (take two… I accidentally deleted the first draft, whoops!!!)

So here’s the shorter version of what I typed a moment ago and accidentally deleted.

All six of us (Caitlyn and Leia included) went out for one of my favorite Christmas traditions today, we cut the Christmas tree. Many laughs and smiles, joking and playing, and even the traditional tackling of the Christmas tree courtesy of Dominic.

Super thankful for all of these moments we are able to create and share together!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,715

Oof, today was a rough one. My guts had been rumbling something fierce all day, have not been able to eat or drink much at all, largely laying around on the couch or bed, snuggled into a sleeping bag, sleeping often.

Definitely going to bed early, fingers crossed for feeling better tomorrow.

All that said, I’m glad I don’t sick like this very often and am usually very healthy!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,714

Growth:

Sometimes getting lost is the best thing we can do for ourselves. It teaches us to see how we react when we lose our sense of place in the world, when we don’t have a clear direction. It helps us see how we could have been better prepared to avoid the challenge, and shows us how to be more ready in the future.

Appreciation:

Nothing like leaning into what we love! In between family get togethers Becky and I made a point of getting outside and enjoying a walk together. The outdoor time was very much needed, the place I so easily find inner joy and stillness. Taking the time to enjoy nature was exactly what I needed to enjoy family time all the more.

Presence:

I’ve never seen two bucks fighting in the wild before, especially not this close up! Talk about an amazing moment!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,713

Growth:

We see more of what we look for, focus on looking for that which we can be grateful for.

Appreciation:

An unexpected, completely out of the blue, “thank you for being amazing parents!” A perfect way to wrap up a night!

Presence:

So much fun playing with nieces and nephews, all that was needed were a couple of inflatable balls to create a ton of laughs and smiles. Play is so necessary and so easily forgotten. Getting lost in it today was great!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,712

Growth:

I’m definitely a slow learner, but at least I’m a learner. As I put together a training plan for a new teammate I’ve got every one of my teammates playing a role in their training. Looking forward to seeing how they are all able to share their talents!

Appreciation:

Kind of nice having a bonus Friday but on a Wednesday instead! After making supper when I got home from work it’s been a steady evening of chill, just like a Friday, but now on a Wednesday. I could get used to this!

Presence:

Holy moly – that was a cold run this morning!!! Not really in the big picture, but this was the first truly frigid, icy wind blowing snow in my face at over 25 mph run of the year. Talk about waking me up right away in the morning!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,711

Whew… that was quite the long day. There were a lot of positives, good conversations, progress on a work project, moments of working into purpose, and pleasant time with family. Much to be grateful for, no question.

What’s interesting is that what I am most grateful for is the very thing that was the most frustrating part of the entire day. The presence of it reminded me of just how grateful I am for not having it happen as much as it used to. The minor annoyance or frustration of it today reminded me of what it used tobe like and it reminded me to be thankful that it is not like that anymore.

Several years ago I was driving approximately 18 hours each and every week to get out to each of my offices. The number of miles I put on in that year was ridiculous. The amount of wasted time in transit still makes me cringe. Each time I would drive that far I would come home feeling exhausted, completely drained, and very much frustrated by the lack of progress I’d been able make towards my goals. So much wasted time, so much lost energy, so frustrating.

As I had flashbacks to that year and change today I couldn’t help but be grateful for this experience being a very infrequent one now. So much of my life is improved as a result of not having to travel like that, so much of my life re-claimed.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,710

Growth:

We can’t always be 100%, when we are not, remember to pause and breathe.

Right people will make right choices, surround ourselves with right people.

Don’t want something for someone more than they want it for themselves.

Own the challenges created, learn from them, transform them into moments of growth and relationship building.

Appreciation:

It’s the time of the year to relax a little, bust out a “sweatshirt” book, and relax while reading the old story that has become so familiar that I can almost read it a sentence or two ahead of where I am currently at. Just like the perfectly well worn and broken in sweatshirt it is comfy and warms us up. It’s not the greatest book or the most enlightening book, but it’s a story with multiple layers of characters and plot. When I’m in the mood for a comfortable read this one is a go to – Spin by Robert Charles Wilson.

Presence:

This morning was a beautiful run for Becky and I, quiet calm, starting the day outdoors, together, and relaxed while get some fresh air. This evening we went to yoga after supper, took in a relaxing yoga session, quiet calm, ending the day together, relaxed.

Beautiful bookends to the day with Becky!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,709

Growth:

How little we need for joy, for a sense of peace. Sitting outside observing nature, hiking a trail in the woods, walking with family and talking, relaxing on the couches connecting and sharing stories. So often what will help our soul is actually more of less.

Appreciation:

The boys had s blast at the Packer game together! Is there much better in life than seeing your kids become incredible friends?

Presence:

After our hike Leia and I proceeded to relax and take in all the wildlife refuge had to offer. I honestly cannot tell you how long I sat transfixed, drinking my coffee, watching the lone pelican fish. Supreme presence, lost in all the life surrounding us.

Thanks!!!