Day 3,466

Growth:

Clarity, communication, openness, listening – all so important in reaching a goal. Reminders throughout the day and the week of taking the time to clearly communicate goals, to pause and listen to ensure all is understood, and the openness to discuss any possible challenges and misunderstandings. Each reminder a moment of growth!

Appreciation:

Running into a 21 mph headwind is likely no one’s idea of a good time, certainly not mine. That said, Becky and I still knocked out our Monday morning run in spite of the gusty weather. We didn’t talk nearly as much as normal as we were both too focused on breathing with excess air being pounded in our faces, but we still ran it together. Mornings like this remind me of how thankful I am for the shared passions we have, the shared motivation, and the way Becky always seems to help push me to be a better me.

Presence:

Breathing in the studio, literally dripping with sweat, focused on nothing but my breath and the position of my limbs. There’s a blank wall a few feet in front of me, no screens, no sounds other than the instructor’s voice giving direction. Everything else in the world fades away, there is only the motion, the breath, and the moment.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,465

Growth:

Throughout the past month I’m amazed by how many times a lesson or thought from Awareness has rung in my head. The wisdom contained within it has yet to lead me astray, if only I held myself to it in all my actions. A wonderful reminder for me to read this book at least once every three months or so!

Appreciation:

This weekend was full of exactly what I needed more than anything, space and time to relax. My idea of relaxing may be different than others, but time spent walking with Becky in the woods, working on a couple of small projects, and organizing my Saturday around the sporting events of the boys was what I needed. There was also much space to read – both paper and audiobooks. There was time to think, quiet space alone to just be. So much of what I needed to recharge.

Presence:

As a kid I didn’t always (or often) appreciate the work with Dad on different projects around the house. From construction to framing to electrical to plumbing to woodworking to all types of home improvements it seemed he always had something to work on. As I grow older and Dad is no longer with us I can’t help but pause and be grateful for the moments that bring back memories as well as be thankful for the knowledge he passed on through those projects.

This afternoon I was working on a couple of small projects in the campervan and couldn’t help but think back to so many moments shared with him building and fixing, it was a wonderful moment of re-connection.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,464

Growth:

When in doubt, go for a walk. Everything in life is so much easier and more simple when outside, breathing fresh air, and taking in all the beauty all around. So much of life is additional busyness that is unnecessary, a walk reminds us of what’s really most important.

Appreciation:

Super thankful for all of the awesome coaches the boys have been blessed to have throughout their sports careers.

Presence:

So many pelicans! In all out years of living on the island I can’t remember ever seeing this many pelicans during migration before. We’ve been enjoying the literally HUNDREDS of pelicans in the river and in the air this week. On our walk today we watched as approximately three dozens soared and circled above us while others swam and fished on the water. Mind blowing!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,463

Growth:

What is the appropriate balance of discipline and flexibility? Focusing and zooming out? Pushing hard and easing back? There’s a constant grind and friction between each of those forces, wisdom is figuring out the balance. We grow through trial and error, through coaching, through reflection.

Appreciation:

And I’m back after a short respite to snap some pics of the Northern Lights! Nothing quite like the screeching alert of my Northern Lights app to shift my direction quickly! While the clouds may have thwarted my fun I still had a blast!

Presence:

My lunch involved a short hike along the Black River and included literally dozens of pelicans! Just off of one of our favorite trails the pelicans found a place to hang out on their migration.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,462

Growth:

Everything in life seems to be easier and makes more sense when I’m walking in the woods. So quickly that which feels important but likely is not melts away and all that’s left is a sense of relaxed awe.

Appreciation & Presence:

My day started with a beautiful drive through a winter wonderland with pristine skies as the sun rose over the Mississippi River Valley and my day wrapped up with an awesomely refreshing walk in the woods watching the mass migration of birds as the sun set over the Mississippi River Valley. A day bookended in the stunning scenery of the Driftless.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,461

Growth:

When in doubt wake up early and go for a run. Not only will you never regret it, but sometimes you’ll happen to catch the nicest part of the entire day! The weather on our run this morning was almost perfect, and then completely fell apart as the day went on. Not only did I get my exercise in with Becky, but I got to enjoy snow free roads!

Appreciation:

And I’m spent. The past few months have all hit hard, time to rest and recover. Here comes a great night of sleep, very much needed.

I’m grateful for realizing I can’t sprint forever, I need to remember to rest up and pace myself, I’ll be more productive over s longer period of time. I’m also appreciative for being able to put my ego aside and admit I am human.

Presence:

A quiet night at home, relaxing, and hitting the rack early. Not too bad at all once in s great while!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,460

Growth:

When you get exhausted remember to rest and recharge before your motor burns out.

Appreciation:

Is there much better feeling of accomplishment than finishing up a project you’ve been working on for literally years? Tonight I wrapped up a game I’d been working with Gavin to build and it is finally done – woo hoo!!!

Erasing that project from my board felt great, the memories created as we made it were even more fulfilling.

Presence:

A lone bald eagle sat upon the remnants of a goose nest in the backwaters of the Mississippi River as I crossed the state line. I so love the migrations seasons on the Mississippi Flyway!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,459

Growth:

Stay focused when needed, be flexible when appropriate. Rather than immediately responding take s moment to pause, consider, and intentionally choose the right course of action.

Appreciation:

Becky’s working on something and was looking for some specific quotes to use. Within five minutes I pulled about a dozen from my Notes app from books and stories I’ve read. In the midst of that search I couldn’t help but smile as I read many of the quotes, quickly remembering where I’d heard them before and why they mattered enough to write them down.

While it isn’t technically my personal writing it was a reminder of why it is so important to write out those quotes, lines, and ideas we encounter, they are so much more likely to stick with us that way!

All too often I write to find out what I think about a topic, not because I already know.

Presence:

Yoga…. Ahh…. So grateful for the moments of yoga chill after a nonstop day of adulting.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,458

Growth:

When I think back to fond memories of Dad they often involve working on a project together. Always keep an eye open for opportunities to do the same with the boys! Today Gavin learned how to winterize the campervan and we enjoyed the time together.

Appreciation:

The four of us went to church together this morning and it was wonderful! Nothing quite like that feeling of the entire family together, especially in the rides to and from church. So grateful for those moments when the four of us are together.

Presence:

Walking in the woods is one of my favorite activities. Today I got so caught up in watching the pelicans migrate overhead and the eagles soar that I totally fell way behind Becky and Gavin! So caught up in the moment that I lost track of the moment!

Thanks!!

Day 3,457

Growth:

When in doubt make the drive and create memories. Similar to yoga, you’ll never regret it!

Appreciation:

Somewhere along the way we started a tradition of sharing vacation photos with the rest of the family shortly after each trip. As a family we huddle on the couch and enjoy the travel experience with each other. We enjoy the photos, laugh at the stories, and share our joy with each other. Such a gift for each of us after travel!

Presence:

Spending time talking with Gavin while hanging and folding laundry. Spending time with Dominic driving back from a hike. Spending time with Becky as we hiked in the park. Spending time with myself (& Leia) walking in the woods. All special and specific moments of presence, all deeply joyful.

Thanks!!!