Day 3,456

Growth:

There was a quote from one of my favorite books that really hit home today.

As one of the main characters is about to die and says the following to his friend as they sit under a tree. His friend is expressing how much he will miss him when he’s gone and he says…

Come and sit in my shade, see the sunlight through my leaves, and rest your back against my trunk.

Human, The Speaker for The Dead by Orson Scott Card

Appreciation:

In between the busyness of the work day there are still opportunities for moments to be in awe of the natural world. Today my soul was filled by a moonset in the bluffs, an icy geomorphic gem, and an epic sun halo.

Presence:

Drinking in the sun over lunch on the first day of Spring tickling 80 degrees…

This was taken while laying in my back on a picnic table with no shirt on about a mile down a quiet hiking trail. Just laying there and drinking the sun!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,455

Growth:

Be present where you need to be in each moment. So easy to slip into thought about something future based and miss a step in what really needs to be done in that moment. Sometimes this means letting others know you are not available until the task is done, that is more kind than listening without being present. Remember, saying yes to something also means saying no to something else.

Appreciation:

I’m still not quite sure how today flew by so quickly, but it certainly did! From my morning run to dropping off a dog to telephone campervan tech support to kick off the day. Somehow the work day went by even more quickly! I’m exhausted but feeling very satisfied, many positives throughout, feeling purpose driven.

Presence:

Definitely a memorable moment this morning – me getting home after my run at about six and finding the lights on in the house and the meeting Gavin as he is heading to school to get a morning lifting session in! Kind of fun seeing both of us up and moving that early!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,454

Growth:

The best training happens in the field, in real life, and shared with others. When in doubt get outside of our comfort zone, get out face to face, and share knowledge with others.

Appreciation:

Super proud of Gavin for so many reasons today. While he had some big successes in his powerlifting season I’m most grateful for his work ethic, his drive, his growth mindset, his enthusiasm, and his teamwork. Results are arbitrary in so much of life, how we live is completely within our control. He’s lived it right over the past few months and I’m so proud of the person he continues to grow into.

Presence:

The moment the setting moon was in perfect alignment with the road I was driving on. Wowza!!!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,453

Growth:

Interesting to see just how much of a positive impact my 2025 one page goal reminder tool has had on my behavior. Certainly still gave a long way to go, but almost every day I’m finding my behavior nudged to the better by a little bit.

Appreciation:

I was going to go in a different direction, more professional, but then laughed as I realized there was something I was way more grateful for today – hearing about the adventures Dominic and Becky are having in Utah! It was so awesome hearing about their experience going up Angel’s Landing, my heart is so full knowing they are creating so many memories together! Very grateful for their time together.

Presence:

Sometimes we just need to get outside. Some nights we just need to get more time outside. Huge thank you to Gavin for busting out the patio furniture so the two of us could get fresh air and enjoy a distraction free dinner together!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,452

Growth:

Awareness helps us identify the gap between who we are and who we are called to be. When gifted with a moment of clarity like that be sure to take it in, inspect it, and adjust accordingly.

Appreciation:

In each moment there is a decision to be made, choose wisely and the next right decision becomes easier, as does the next, and each after. Likewise, there is a negative inertia of wrong choices. Choose correctly in the morning and the rest of the day is set! Here’s to winning the morning!

Presence:

We may be several states away, but we’re still able to laugh together as a family! I thoroughly enjoyed the laughs and chuckles together this evening!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,451

Growth:

As I’ve found the past few times I’ve read it, Ender’s Game continues to provide engaging and inspiring leadership lessons. While a fiction it has so many moments of leadership that one can learn and grow from. The lessons I picked up from this past read were largely focused on team building, messaging, and delegation. One of many reasons I read this book once a year!

Appreciation:

What a weekend! As I lay in bed typing I’m already halfway asleep, ready to zonk out before the alarm wakes me up for my run in the morning. Lots of bonding with Gavin over the past 24 hours or so, so thankful for each of the moments and interactions we had! We may both be tired, but we were both actively engaged as we had our time together.

Presence:

On our hike this afternoon Gavin and I paused in the woods to listen. We completely stopped and took in the sounds of all the migratory birds singing and talking. So many different call, so much beauty all around.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,450

Growth:

It’s better to feel pain than nothing at all. The opposite of love is indifference.

The Lumineers, Stubborn Love

Appreciation:

What a day! Having the opportunity to experience Gavin living out a huge goal was awesome!!! So proud of all the hard work he put into his season, what an experience for him!

Also super grateful for the family who made the time available to share in the moment with him!

Presence:

There may have been some extra suspense, but Gavin’s last lift of the day still blows my mind! The smile and the hug for his coach afterwards left me smiling big time!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,449

Growth:

Simple, focused. Rather than add levels and levels of complexity stay focused in one direction, stay disciplined, and work through it before adding more and more. So many reminders to stay the course, focus on doing the one or two plays better and better.

Appreciation:

I may have only been at our conference a short time, but I made the most of the time there. Professional growth, personal growth, bigger dreams, and more personal connections. So thankful for attending even if it was abbreviated!

Presence:

My goal this week was clear but difficult, “be present.” As the workweek has wound down I can say I have accomplished it thus far! So many more meaningful moments shared with others and in thought as a result.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,448

Growth:

When we start feeling a little too good about ourselves we are usually about to be humbled. Funny how my business ego from two years ago contrasts with itself today, and with good reason. Ego is an interesting thing, positive in some moments, negative in most other moments. The liberation of the soul after being humbled is quite invigorating!

Appreciation:

There have been many thoughts and questions in my mind and soul over the past few months. As I keep seeking direction and answers it seems as if I only find more questions! At least until today.

There were no less than a half a dozen moments in which a specific topic was brought up or mentioned to me by others. As I mentally review I can’t help but chuckle as I realize it was closer to a dozen. The same concept brought up again and again and again.

It all leads back to my personal purpose so wonderfully, especially in hearing how it has truly brightened lives for others and created shared moments with loved ones.

When feeling lost be sure to ask God, The Universe, The Big Dude Upstairs, or whatever your flavor is for a little guidance. Open your eyes, open your ears, open your heart, and the answer will be there waiting for you.

Presence:

So many moments shared, hugs given and received, and fellowship. My soul is full as I consider so many positive interactions from today.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,447

Growth:

There’s a balance between too fast and too slow. One puts you in danger due to unnecessary risk. The other puts you in danger due to unnecessary risk. Find the balance.

Appreciation:

Spending time talking with cohorts about all the similar challenges, successes, and best practices we each have – priceless!

Presence:

While my two hour drive to the airport stretched to almost four hours due to snow I’m amazed at all the moments of deep presence. Certainly the focus on keeping the car between the shoulders, but also moments of being lost in the awe of the beauty of nature, specifically the snow covered trees reaching over the snow covered banks of the creek.

Thanks!!!