Day 2,201

Growth:

To be honest, I’ve written tonight’s blog backwards from Presence to Appreciation to Growth. The moment of presence led to the rest.

The song Numb by Linkin Park is one I’ve always enjoyed but had never really listened to intently. On my run this morning in the quiet of the pre-dawn woods I finally focused on it completely.

The words spoke to me from a level of understanding of a situation in life which echoed the song. I repeated it a few times and almost had chills due to its accuracy. I felt like I could have been singing the song.

After the third time my brain took it in from another perspective. It shifted almost completely opposite to a cautionary tale of how easily my desire could shift to the negative. I paused the music during my run for a moment and just thought about it. In those moments I realized how important it is for me to remember to listen to what others want to accomplish rather than wish my dreams for them. I can help others see dreams, but I can’t want it for them, they need to follow their passion. Show possibility rather than sell possibility. Failure to do so switches my role within the song to the antagonist.

Appreciation:

Music is such a powerful art. The ability to convey messages and stories in such a different vehicle than speech is a gift we’re do blessed to have. Today I’m grateful for learning more about myself through song. I may have stumbled upon the same lesson in a different way at some point, but this will resonate for much longer thanks to the combination of music and word.

Presence:

Running with Becky is definitely my favorite. If there’s an option I’ll choose that one. Today she was out of town for work so I ran on my own. Running in the dark on a quiet road surrounded by the stillness of the forest felt wonderfully soothing. The smells of fall leaves added to the magic of the moment. It also led to me listening more deeply to the music than usual and led to the insights above. What a perfect moment of stillness!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,200

Growth:

I know that we all think differently than each other and have different strengths. Why do I continue to view others through the lens of “me” rather than defaulting to the lens of “them”? So simple, so powerful, so difficult to train myself. Practice, practice, practice.

Appreciation:

Tonight I was able to find pockets of moments with each of the boys individually. We joked and had fun, we talked about values, and we shared life lessons. So grateful for those times with them one on one!

Presence:

Driving to Winona with the sun just about to rise behind my right shoulder. The clouds cover over ninety percent of the sky but leave just enough gaps to allow some funky orange sunlight through. The changing leaves glitter along the shores of a purple hued Mississippi River. A line of over fifty pelicans drift south along the river. Simply stunning.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,199

Growth:

If I start with an idea I’ll often come up with a really good idea. If I start with a “why” and a “purpose” I’ll usually come up with a much better idea. Remember to define the challenge prior to solving it.

Appreciation:

Soccer parents pretty much become family as the seasons go on. Spending time with that family tonight had me smiling, laughing, & full of joy.

Presence:

Over lunch I took LuLu for a walk. That in of itself was a lesson in presence. Stopping to watch the bright red, almost crimson leaves if the maple tree blowing in the wind and the sunlight caused them to almost shimmer and change colors? Divine!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,194

Growth:

Today I finished an insightful book a friend recommended – The Power of Now. What struck me most was how many different books I’ve read point out the importance of presence. I’ve read many, but I’ve never tired of them or been bored. Each has shed light on a slightly different angle of the concept. Long story short, inner peace can be found in the stillness of our souls in the present moment.

Appreciation:

There are so many levels of relationships. I feel so blessed to have touched upon so many different levels today! Partial acquaintances, new friends, life long friends and so on… so many positive interactions with people I know, respect, and love. I feel so much appreciation for all of them today.

Presence:

I feel as if it is almost cheating as I drive to work each morning and try to find one beautiful moment of presence. My drive is so mind blowingly epic, especially on days like this when I’m driving in and out of clouds in between the bluffs while watching the sun rise reflecting pink, orange, and purple hues on the specters of fog rising from the Mississippi River.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,193

Growth:

One of the biggest take-ways today was the reminder of finding the balance between extreme discipline and creativity. When someone is given space to be creative at the right times they are successful. When someone is given the directive to adhere to a very specific and focused set of directives at the right times they are successful. The key is in knowing which is right at which time.

Appreciation:

I am thankful for people who are willing to help out fellow local community members. The support of those within our community can make such a huge difference, and I’m grateful for the reminder to do the same for others.

Presence:

As I drove to work this morning the sun was still making a climb from below the horizon and leaving the sky in a beautiful palette of purples and pink. On the backwaters of the river was a little bit of fog covering some of the still water. It was amazing!

Thanks!!!

Day 2,192

LOL – what a day it has been! So many different directions, gratitudes, purposeful moments, and learning opportunities!

Maybe I’ll sum it up in a few specific points…

• Possibly the best answers to the question “what do you think I should do” seems to be “what’s most important to you?” and “what’s your purpose?”
• When living into or toward purpose joy can be felt deep in your soul in a profound way
• Remembering to allow space to grow, learn, and experiment is just as important as extreme discipline
• Community seems to always have the power to impress and humble
• Keeping a cool head is almost always the right answer
• Sleep makes life better

Thanks!!!

Day 2,191

Two of my team’s core values are Do Right and Grit. Sometimes the right thing to do is also incredibly difficult, and that’s where Grit comes in. Put those two together and one won’t necessarily find comfort, put instead will find living into a sense of purpose, or deep seated joy.

One of my favorite lessons comes from our past priest, Father Mark.

“‘Joy’ isn’t the same as happiness and it is often the opposite of comfort.“

Father Mark Pierce

Today was definitely not comfortable, but there is a deep well of joy in my soul tonight.

Thanks!!!

Day 2,190

So many words come to mind to talk about what I’m grateful for today, but few are truly necessary.

Friends are the family we choose. Last night I enjoyed the company of my brothers.

Thanks!!!