Day 3,269

Growth:

When I’m in an uncomfortable or awkward situation I always have a choice to make, which mindset will I choose. Today I had that opportunity and made the most of it once I paused to be cognizant of the opportunity to choose.

The Mindfulness Triathlon was today and I was flying solo as Becky was out of town for work. The first leg was a short hike in the woods and I was expecting a quiet walk and was instead in the middle of a very talkative group of walkers. For a moment I was frustrated and wanting a quiet trail with no one around, but then I remembered to choose to be grateful and harness the opportunity for growth.

I paused and enjoyed the sounds of everyone having a great time talking, they were having a blast! I enjoyed their joy for a bit. I then remembered that I’m good at “escaping” to a quiet place alone, but I need work finding the “escape” amongst others. This became an opportunity for me to find my inner stillness while surrounded by others. With that mindset I focused more on the sights all around me and was gifted with spectacular views, like of a huge spiderweb lit up by the low angle of the sun. So much beauty when I remember to quiet my own inner voice.

There’s always a choice to make, I will keep working to choose growth more often.

Appreciation & Presence:

Thanks to Dominic being in town from his rugby match I had almost exactly five hours to spend with my sons together today. I took advantage of that time and we had a blast together! Board games, watching football, so many laughs and jokes, and all focused time with each other. We maneuvered the living room furniture around so we were able to play games, eat, and keep an eye on football all at the same time, only taking a few short bio breaks throughout. Nothing crazy or out of the ordinary, but time for us to coexist and enjoy each others company. Such a blessing today!!!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,268

This morning I woke up a little earlier than usual specifically to get a nice hike in with both Leia and my 50# backpack before loading into the car for a day for five hours of driving for Dominic’s rugby match in Madison. Just as I started to walk out to the garage the rain started to fall. In that moment I made the decision to enjoy the hike with whatever weather was offered up.

Leia and I virtually had the trails to ourselves! So chill smelling the fresh rain mixing with different types of soil and all the different plants. The sound of the raining was calming on a visceral level, a symphony of the forest. Such an experience!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,267

Growth:

Life is not guaranteed. We are not promised a certain number of days. When we have reminders of our impermanence we must mind them and utilize them as opportunities for growth, to remember to make the most of each moment, each breath, we are gifted.

Appreciation:

So many directions to go on this one today! One of the biggest impacts for me today was learning more about the downfall of a thought leader I’ve followed and attempted to emulate. As I read more and more of the challenges Tony Hsieh faced after becoming the poster child of company culture and values I couldn’t help but continue to learn through him. In years past I learned what to do, in the present I’m learning what NOT to do – all from the same individual.

We are all so unique and multifaceted, there’s always more below the surface than anyone else could ever know. Do not judge based on one facet, instead, attempt to learn more of the story.

Presence:

This moment of perfect stillness in the early morning:

Thanks!!!

Day 3,266

Growth:

One of my favorite thought leaders who helped to shape part of my leadership mindset had his life cut tragically short due to several emotional challenges. In reading about his life in more detail I’m reminded of the dichotomy of people who are exceptionally strong in certain ways, they’ve often got weaknesses or demons almost equal to their strengths. In appreciating the strengths one must also acknowledge and work to understand the weaknesses.

Appreciation:

I’m again reminded of how interesting it is that when we really pause to reflect inward there are so many actions, moments, reminders, and examples of what we know we need to grow into all around us. We must only pause and take time to think with intentionality to more clearly see what is already surrounding us, all that we can ever need we already have and in abundance.

Presence:

Celebrating the successes of others, always a joyful moment!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,265

Growth:

Great line from the book Designing Your Life in regards to what the authors deem “gravity problems”

If it is not actionable it is not a problem, it is a situation, a circumstance, a fact of life. It may be a drag so to speak, but like gravity, it can’t be solved.

Appreciation:

LOL – today I am very thankful for preparation! While driving to work I was enjoying my coffee. Unfortunately, my lips must’ve forgotten how to operate for a moment and I ended up with coffee on the front of my button up shirt. Fortunately, I was prepared for just this potentiality! I pulled over at the next quiet road, used napkins to soak it up, busted out my Tide stick pen, cleaned my shirt, and was back on the road in less than five minutes! The power of preparation – and the disappointment of total lip failure 😂

Presence:

Is there any greater working joy than training someone who is wildly driven on something you are passionate about and who is naturally encoded for the purpose you are training them for? So rewarding!!!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,264

Growth:

Look to understand what someone loves and fears and the you will find their motivations.

Appreciation:

This morning was our annual Habitat for Humanity build day. Whoever would think so much joy could be created amongst a team through physical work for a complete stranger. So grateful for this ongoing worthwhile tradition!

Presence:

The moment I got home and was immediately smothered with love by Leia, they was pretty awesome and joyful for sure!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,263

Growth:

Rather than get frustrated, fix the issue you can control. At the football game tonight I was chilling by myself (just needed a bit of solo time) and I was sitting closer to our group of parents, but still close enough to the other team’s parents to hear their complaints and yelling. At first I was frustrated, but then I realized I could control the situation myself and have a more pleasurable experience. I put in my AirPods, turned on the noise canceling feature, and played a favorite concert album. It was so chill AND I enjoyed the game without working myself up!

Appreciation:

OMG – I feel healthy again!!! Finally, three weeks later I am finally over that gross sinus infection that was kicking my butt. As I’ve typed about before, nothing like being sick to remind me to be grateful for my health!

Presence:

Knocking out a short run at 4:30am with Becky and Leia was a superb start to my week, especially one that sees Becky working out of town. Gotta love finding a way to sneak in a little bonus time!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,262

Growth:

There is so much noise surrounding us incessantly and it is easy to go deaf to all of it. Be intentional in what we listen to, be intentional in what we block out. So easy to go completely deaf, but so much more useful to listen intentionally.

Appreciation:

Gavin and I have been working on a project together and it’s been fun having the opportunity to spend time working towards a shared goal. We’ve both had to lean into each other’s strengths to help make it work and we’ve been enjoying the grind of it together.

Presence:

Had to soak up a lot of Becky time before she heads out of town for work for the week! We got in a walk, a bike ride, church, a quick shopping trip, and a couple of meals today, all satisfying time together talking.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,261

Growth:

Quite often the best and most full of days leave me feeling completely wrung out and exhausted, but in a very rewarding and enjoyable way.

Appreciation:

Our family hike was spectacular today! So clear, perfect weather, and engaging conversation the entire way. No better way to spend a weekend than outside with family!

Presence:

Twice today Terry’s Song by Bruce Springsteen played and twice today my eyes misted up as I missed Dad. Sad but beautiful moments of presence with my emotions.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,260

Growth:

Reduce the daily commute by 30 minutes each way and there’s an additional hour available in the work day! Working remote is definitely not my everyday preference, but once in a while it creates very effective days.

Appreciation:

Super thankful for my outstanding family doctor today! As always, he’s supremely helpful, very supportive, and has the best of bedside manner mixed with the brutal honesty I also crave. Thanks for always taking incredible care of the boys and me!

Presence:

Each autumn sports season there’s an evening game in which the temperature drops and there’s a little dampness in the air. In the springtime we’d likely be out in tshirts and shorts, but this specific evening comes fresh on the heels of a summery warm week. The shock to our system immediately yanks us into a state of extreme presence… and maybe some shivering. Regardless, it is one of my favorite moments of the year as it is a tangible reminder of the impending start of fall, my favorite season of the year.

Thanks!!!