There’s a peace to be found in simple activities like doing the dishes. When a task must be done remember it is a blessing to have the opportunity to do it, enjoy it. Doing the dishes while listening to the recording of a Coldplay concert was one of the most calming experiences of my day.
Appreciation:
Gavin was working at the office again today and the number of moments we laughed before and after work were priceless! Very thankful for him taking on the yard work, the bonus time on our half hour commute to and from Winona has been awesome!
Presence:
The stillness of sitting on the back deck is so refreshing and satisfying! Last night it was playing games as a family as the sunset painted the sky. Tonight it was reading my book while sitting next to Becky. Time on the deck is so therapeutic!
I wrote my blog completely backwards today! This process has led me to adjust my Growth based gratitude to the mindset of being alone.
In the book Oh, the Places You’ll Go Dr. Seuss writes:
All Alone! Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you’ll be quite a lot.
Spending time alone is something I quite enjoy from time to time. As I grow older I find that quiet time by myself, especially out in nature, helps still my mind and feeds my soul. I love time with family and friends, no question, but I also need to find the balance of together time and alone time in order to be at my best.
Today my balance felt like it was exactly what I needed, and it really came through in my next two sections.
Appreciation:
This morning was in the office long before everyone else and had the entire building to myself. I love my teams, but there’s something about the quiet stillness of an empty office that leads to some of my most productive work. Being able to work without any distraction on a thought based project with some of my favorite music playing as loudly or quietly as I’d like leads to such an easily accessible state of flow.
My entire day was productive, purposeful, and rewarding, the serenity of my soul while working in the quiet was glorious.
Presence:
Last night I wrapped up my evening by pulling up a couple of music videos. When the house is quiet and I’m the only one awake I enjoy diving into a pool of heartfelt and thought provoking tunes.
My musical drifts and tides brought me to this absolute masterpiece. Not only was the music amazing and the crowd of 100+ thousand electrifying, but the addition of a special guest led me to some serious emotion.
Would I rather have this or that? What is the difference in cost? Is it worth working and extra ___ months before retiring in order to have the more expensive version?
This was a conversation Gavin and I walked through earlier today as I shared the camper vans we were considering. It led to a great talk about remembering that our time is what we sacrifice for our jobs in order to have cash. Rather than thinking only of the financial cost we should really consider the time cost. For Gavin this was easily translated into paying for his lift pass to go snowboarding this winter. By working this week he will have more than enough to pay for his snowboarding season – a very fair trade off in his mind. Seeing him mentally walk through this process was so rewarding as a dad!
Appreciation:
Taking Gavin to work with me for the second time in a week was a blast! He’s doing a bunch of yard work around the office building while I work so we ride up and back together. This has provided a bonus 30 minute drive each way. Throughout these extra minutes we have talked about the value of time, where some of my political views come from, his thoughts on a couple of books we’ve both read, planning for his Eagle Scout project, future vacations, and everything else in between. I almost don’t want him to finish up the work on Friday so he keeps riding with next week!
Super thankful for the pockets of bonus time we find throughout busy lives, this week has been better as a result!
Presence:
The weather for this morning’s run was gross! So thick and humid, it just kind of took the life right out of me during the run. The good news is that I made it and finished the run just fine. What’s interesting is that even though it wasn’t necessarily for reasons I would enjoy, the super humid weather helped me stay much more focused and present during my run. It’s not always the good stuff that brings about presence, today was an effective reminder of that! That said, I’m definitely looking forward to my next 50 degree run 😉
When in doubt, go to bed early. You’ll never regret it!
Appreciation:
Over the past week we did a lot of work to prep for the start of a new teammate. Today it paid off big time! The first day went amazingly smooth even through some tech support hiccups thanks to the prep work. So thankful for planning ahead and working ahead!
Presence:
During my drive to Eau Claire this morning I pulled over to take in the sight of the valleys filled with clouds, only the bluffs rose above the sea of fog. So beautiful!
Thanks to Mark Manson for this nugget to ponder all day…
Develop the ability to be disliked and free yourself from the prison of other people’s opinions.
Appreciation:
This evening we had a family yoga night! Both boys wanted to join Becky and I for our normal Monday activity and by the end we were called out for “an entire family of wheel in the front row!”
What I really appreciate about this is the time spent together and the building of very healthy physical and emotional habits that both boys see as useful and worthwhile. Big smiles all around!
Presence:
While Gavin was working at the office doing some landscaping he fired up 1984 in audiobook form. On our way home we spent some time talking through the book together – an awesomely insightful conversation talking about an excellent and useful book!
One step at a time. Remember that all works of art don’t magically appear in an instant, they are crafted through countless small steps. Zoom out, make a plan, and take action one small step at a time.
Appreciation:
How am I using my time? Am I treating it as precious and living with intention or am I allowing it to pass by while I drift aimlessly? The right answer is easy, but the right action is not always as automatic as I would like it to be.
This afternoon I hit the reset button and focused on the projects I want to complete. That change helped me switch from wasting time to choosing one task at a time to knock out to get me closer to completing one of my goals. As it turned out, I was also able to make way more progress than expected and share more time with the family!
Presence:
Throughout the weekend Becky and I had pockets of time with just the two of us and it was a pleasure just relaxing and talking. Those moments left me smiling and reminded me of how much I appreciate sharing our lives together!
When joy is shared it is multiplied. When burden is shared it is divided.
Cheers to both sides of this quote one today!
Appreciation:
My passion for being outside has brought so much joy to my life. Everything is put so clearly into perspective when in the outdoors. Sharing time in the woods with friends and family helps us bond and connect on deeper levels. The time in nature brings stillness to my soul. I am renewed by the time I spend outdoors.
Presence:
Dinner with good friends, spending time laughing, and creating new memories. A wonderful evening with wonderful friends!
Today we tried something completely new to me, rock climbing! I’ve done climbing walls before, but this was the first time I’d ever gone up rock like this. What an awesome adventure to share with the family!
As one of my mentors once shared, “when you feel uncomfortable you are growing.” Here’s to much growth over the past six months! In reviewing the past half year of work there has been much discomfort, but I’m optimistic that it will lead to growth.
Appreciation:
My heart goes out to all those who live in Jasper, AB. The news of the wildfires raging through their community left me in tears. Such a majestic town, such natural beauty surrounding it. To hear that 30-50% has burned by flames over 300’ tall is devastating. Thoughts and prayers to all those impacted by the wildfires.
Presence:
Relaxing and playing in hammocks in the front yard with Gavin, pretty sweet way to wrap up the day! So chill just floating outside, my mind makes the traffic sounds disappear while I focus on the sounds of birds, the breeze, and my wind chimes. Life is better and more simple outdoors.
Pausing to observe without comment or judgement can lead to very bright moments of insight. In working with a teammate today the two of us were able to pick out a couple of key concepts to focus on in order to lead to future successes. Had we just kept working away we likely would have missed the insights, so glad we took the time to zoom out!
Appreciation:
After getting home from work I quickly found myself alone at home except for our pup, Leia. Gavin’s hammock was swinging in the wind and I took the hint. I changed out of my work clothes, grabbed my current book, and took Leia outside with me. We spent the better part of a half hour chilling on the hammock, relaxing, enjoying the book (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), and basking in the perfect summer weather. Such a perfect way to unwind after work today.
Presence:
While reading a specific hunting scene in The Comfort Crisis I couldn’t help but think back to the time I was sitting with Dominic in a blind while he was hunting. The moment of the buck walking up, Dominic’s focus, the split second of the shot, and the excited nervousness afterwards are so vivid in my memory. Talk about a moment of complete presence!
Thankful for Forty 