Day 3,339

Growth:

One of my favorite thought leaders shared advice he’d received from a mentor which had a dramatically positive impact on his life…

Don’t make one hundred small decisions when only one will do the trick.

Pause, consider the route issue, and solve it once rather than through a series of small decisions. Simplify the issue, solve it once.

Appreciation:

This morning Father Dodge shared a beautiful homily based on an experience on a silent retreat a handful of years ago. The story is his to tell, not mine so I’ll just share my thoughts. In the story I felt so close to Dad and was reminded of so many instances when I swear I can still feel his presence.

Love is eternal, it is the on ed thing which will survive everything. What as reminder in these times to focus on love over anger, on love over envy, on love over fear. Love is the true answer, and it will always be.

Presence:

In helping Gavin with his Eagle Scout project we went to the trail he’s making signs and benches for. We looked for the best locations for benches while also attempting to identify tree species for signs. Walking in the woods always brings a serene state of presence, but the search for specifics really focused me even more. Doing it with my family made it all the better!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,338

Growth:

We have everything we need to be happy, but we aren’t happy. Something’s missing. I looked around. The only thing I positively knew was gone was the books I’d burned in ten or twelve years. So I thought books might help…

…Most of us can’t rush around, talk to everyone, know all the cities of the world, we haven’t time, money or that many friends. The things you’re looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine per cent of them is in a book. Don’t ask for guarantees. And don’t look to be saved in any one thing, person, machine, or library. Do your own bit of saving, knowing you were headed for shore.

Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

Appreciation:

When we went to Iceland in June of 2022 my life was altered by the majesty and exquisite beauty of the landscape. It remains one of, if not the most, breathtaking locations I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.

We spent a day hiking on a glacier and ice climbing with a guide named Martin. He took time to help us learn more about Iceland and fielded our hundreds of questions. After the excursion we connected on Instagram and had kept in touch a bit.

As we prep for our upcoming trip back to Iceland he’s helped out so much in getting us lined up for another adventure. This morning out of the blue he made me aware of a new cave they just discovered! Guess who’s signed up for a tour of it when we go!

So thankful for all the help from our first trip, got the help planning my second, and for shaping my third. Cheers to the people we meet who continue to make a positive impact from an ocean away!

Presence:

Getting into the woods for a nice walk in the morning felt amazing. Starting with fresh air and motion always helps the day feel so much more peaceful from the start!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,337 – abbreviated version tonight, I’m tired after driving home from Gavin’s last football game of the year.

Growth:

Learn from past experiences, let them guide your actions.

Today I remembered that I should not want something for someone else more than they want it for themselves. We all walk our own roads, offer a helping hand, but ultimately they are the ones who walk their own path. Putting them on our backs and carrying them to our destination helps no one.

This still feels so unnatural to me, but I lived into it and it was the right thing to do.

Appreciation:

The Universe often seems to know what we need and provides it in abundance. Not necessarily what we want, but what we need. Today that was manifest as an unexpected challenge, a wonderful opportunity, profound words of kindness, moments of vulnerability, and in working in the shoes of others. Each leading me towards a specific path, all leading towards purpose, all creating growth.

Presence:

Bonus time with family over pizzas before a football game, sharing laughs and stories, and enjoying the company. All presence, all awesome, all appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,336

Growth:

Always remember the concept of timshel – “thou mayest”

In all seconds of life we always have a choice to make. We may not be able to choose what happens to us, but we always have the choice of how we respond to it. Even in the most difficult of moments remember there is always a choice, thou mayest… timshel.

Appreciation:

The lifecycle of sequoias is bound to fire. The massive trees, often 15 feet around, are protected from the heat by a thick, shaggy bark. Their lowest branches are far from the forest floor, reducing the chances they’ll ignite when smaller trees burn. And when a fire’s heat rises, the sequoias’ cones open up, releasing thousands of seeds. Those seeds sprout quickly in the newly cleared soil below their parent trees.

NPR.com

Presence:

The unexpected moment of extreme kindness in a storm of emotion, an opportunity to choose to see the majesty rather than the crashing waves. A beautiful moment.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,335

Growth:

How have you impacted the lives of others?

Jim Collins with Tim Ferriss

There are so many ways to determine success – money, competition, possessions, status, followers, etc. The one which seems to trump all others is this: How have I impacted the lives of others?

Successes, failures, and everything in between when I measure up my day. So much room for growth and improvement, such an opportunity to close the gap between who I am and who I am called to be.

Appreciation:

So many directions I could go this evening. From openly sharing emotions to time spent with friends to teammates‘ successes to moments of stillness to creative sparks to lessons from mentors to paying back what has been given to learning from unexpected sources to pausing to ask a thought provoking question. While they all would be right there seems to be a pull within me to go in a different direction.

This has been a season of profound change for me. The song One More Light by Linkin Park really touched me today, specifically one line. Tonight I’m appreciative for a line which really helped me process my emotions today.

Presence:

Funny how showing appreciation for someone can draw out huge amounts of emotion. Today a moment of gratitude moved me to tears. It was a moment of epiphany I will never forget.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,334

Growth:

When life is busy it seems so much easier to discern what is most important. Be sure not to confuse urgency with importance, sometimes the urgent is the chaff to be removed.

Appreciation:

Throughout the day there were many moments in which I felt I was living towards my purpose, like I was being pulled along towards something. As I reflect there was much learning, little nuggets of realization as I did something well as well as when I goofed something up. One of the highlights was a compliment I received out of the blue in a conversation which lit up a huge smile, even more than I would’ve expected.

“Wow! You ask some really thoughtful questions provoking questions!”

Music to my soul!

Presence:

The past two days have been wildly full, almost twenty meetings in twenty hours of work. That said, the level of focus necessary to be fully present and efficient enough to complete what needs to be done afterwards is sky high. What’s interesting is that I almost can’t help but be more and more present as my schedule fills up. So much accomplished in the past two days, the busyness has led to additional presence.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,333

Growth:

When I’m too exhausted to go to yoga I definitely need to go to yoga. I’ve yet to ever regret it.

Appreciation:

Some stages of life involve a heavy uphill climb, that’s where the magic happens. Coasting is easy, but muscles don’t get worked. Driving the legs as pistons, one after another after another, to propel oneself uphill takes work, sweat, and so much energy, but it also builds muscle and strengthens the entire system.

In so many ways it helps us see if the grit towards a long term goal is worth it. If it is a worthwhile venture the pain and the sweat and the work will still be real, but so will the smile as it’s all getting done.

Here’s to the grind, to the reps, that strengthen us.

Presence:

Yoga tonight started out rough, I couldn’t get my brain to shut down. After a while I finally got totally into my breathing and stretching and next thing I knew I was waking up from Final Rest – and with so much clarity of mind. Amazing how times flies when I’m in a total flow state!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,332

Growth:

Remember to slow it down a bit. Big things don’t happen quickly, they happen through repetition and momentum. One step at a time, focus on what’s most important and then build upon it. Slow and steady wins the race.

Appreciation:

Each season of life brings different rewards and challenges. Throughout each it is up to us to determine how we will utilize the season. Will we focus on growth, will we capitulate to whatever life throws our way, will we write the next chapter, or will we break under the pressure. As I think through all that is currently going on professionally and personally I can easily get lost and feel out of control. When I remember to mind the gap, to choose growth, appreciation, and presence it all seems to make more sense. Here is to all the hard work and preparation over the past twenty five years that have strengthened me for today.

Presence:

Getting outside this morning was priceless. Nice and cool, light mist, grey skies. It all helped colors like the red holly berries and a the bright green grass really pop out. The fresh scent of autumn was thick, stirring in the light breeze. Everything makes more sense in the woods.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,331

Growth:

When in doubt, do useful physical work or get outside and walk, or better yet, do both. Nothing about whatever is stressing you out really gets fixed during that time, but your perspective shifts in beautiful ways.

Appreciation:

In so many ways today was what I needed. I slept in and racked up over nine hours of sleep. Upon waking we took Leia for a long hike throughout the woods surrounding my in laws’ home. I then helped Gavin and Ken shovel and move the manure pile to the gardens. A quick lunch and then back outside helping to pound a fence post into the ground. From there I went back into the woods, hiking the trails while also intentionally “losing” myself off some small game trails before find a deer stand to sit in. Enjoying quiet stillness alone in the stand before coming back inside.

The fresh air and motion helped ease my soul. Everything gets put into perspective when the noise and busyness of the normal daily life are muted. Exactly what I needed today.

Presence:

Sitting in a tree stand with no bow or gun, just listening and taking in the woods all around, enjoying the serenity of stillness in the woods. My soul at peace.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,330

Growth:

A completely packed day can be either productive or a mess, so much depends upon the preparation and discipline.

Appreciation:

Tonight I’m going to bed absolutely exhausted from a long day and a long week . I’m tired, worn out, and ready to recharge. So much life lived in the past week, I’m grateful for the opportunity to crash as well as all the moments which led to this profound tiredness.

Presence:

Gavin’s football game tonight was a wild back and forth slugfest.  The lead changed hands with the regularity of a metronome.  The game came down to the final twenty seconds and it was awesome!  So glad they pulled out victory at the end!

Thanks!!!