Day 3,136 – super tired but a very purpose driven day, will be concise and likely flesh out more details over the next few days.

Growth:

Gavin was absolutely exhausted today after an epic prom night. As he and I talked about today, those are the nights which will be seared into your memory for your entire life – well worth the temporary tiredness. Is there a better feeling as a parent than seeing your child create a lifelong positive memory like that?

Appreciation:

What a day! So many minutes shared with each of the boys, so many memories and laughs together! Throughout the day we had a few errands, a dog walk, a concert, a podcast, and a bunch of conversations together – as both combinations of diads and triads. I very much felt as if I was exactly where I was supposed to be and doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing all day.

Presence:

Dominic wrapped up his last freshman year class project by interviewing me podcast style for his leadership class. Not gonna lie, I think we might do that again before too long! We got into some pretty deep topics and what was supposed to be a 20 minute conversation ended up going an hour. What an awesome experience together!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,135

Growth:

Nothing like the power of YouTube when it comes to learning a new skill around the house! Back in the day I would have had a very difficult time figuring out how to fix my lawnmower on my own. With a couple of quick searches I was able to correct the first issue and then quickly diagnose and fix the second issue. It was still a little bit of a pain, but so much easier armed with the knowledge of what I needed to do in general. Such a useful tool!

Appreciation:

Wowza, I am exhausted! Last night’s track meet ran so late that I didn’t get home until a few minutes before midnight after dodging approximately 100 deer. By the time I went to the school to pick Gavin up and then went bed it was almost 1am. With picking up Dominic from college today I was out of bed at 6:15am and out the door a little before 7am. His girlfriend and I drove the two hours up north, picked him up, and then grabbed lunch on the way home. I then used my spare time to learn how to repair a broken starter rope and recoil spring on a lawnmower and then mowed the lawn. Just as I finished up it was time to take Gavin to his prom pictures. From there Dominic and I hit the grocery store and picked up some pizzas. Back to the house, play some games, eat supper, and now relax on the couch for a few minutes as I blog. By the time I’m in bed (shortly) I’ll be ready to completely crash. I’m 100% exhausted but grateful for all of the fun, memories, and adventures of the past 24-ish hours.

Presence:

What a handful of memorable moments there were today when I dropped off Gavin for his prom pics! So many laughs, smiles, and memories made!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,134

Growth:

Re-living challenging times may be difficult, but when done properly it can be so rewarding and insightful.

Appreciation:

Always nice when the planets align and there are pockets of time to hang out with my little brother. It may have only been a short lunch and watching some pole vaulting, but it was a blast and worth every single second and then some!

Presence:

Working remote never felt better!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,138

Growth:

Just as in reading and reading great books, there is so much to dig into with great music, so many layers and complexities to explore! Hearing The Strumbellas play some of our favorites tonight reminded me of how much more I need to re-listen to them!

Appreciation:

Starting the day with a 5+ mile ruck with Becky in perfect weather. Taking Leia for a nice walk outside. Heading to The Cities with Becky for dinner and a concert. Jamming out together while enjoying one of our favorite bands. An entire day spent with Becky, perfection.

Presence:

The Strumbellas live in concert. Ninety plus minutes of 100% presence. Awesome!!!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,137

Growth:

Stepping back to assess without judgment or emotion can lead to some deeply impactful insights. In walking through a handful of scenarios from the past few years there were several times I could feel the lightbulb go off which so very easily could have been obscured by ego and judgement. By remembering that what was done was done and then thinking g of how I could learn from those experiences it allowed me to function more as a scientist doing research than someone trying to prove themselves right.

Appreciation:

Kind of a fun parent kid moment today as I helped Gavin with parts of his tux. Prom is this weekend and his tux came in today. We gave it a test run after yoga to make sure everything fit and I helped him through some of the parts of a tux that aren’t a part of normal clothing. Going through that with him reminded me of Dad doing the same for me. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to share that rite of passage with him!

Presence:

Nothing quite like the lifting workout that leaves sweat dripping off your face! In my last set sweat droplets were running down my face as I transitioned from one lift to another. Definitely got my money’s worth today and enjoyed every glorious moment of it!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,136

Growth:

Excellent quote from Pound the Stone today:

Perspective is the only thing that can dramatically change results without changing the facts

Joshua Medcalf, Pound the Stone

The mindset behind the quote was a twist on the idea that one never loses, you either win or you learn (or, more appropriately you choose to learn in a win or a loss). If your perspective is that you failed the results are likely going to lead to frustration or quitting. If your perspective is that you learned and grew through this obstacle you’re likely to grow and use this as a stepping stone to greater things.

The choice is up to us.

Appreciation:

The resilience of my sons inspires me on a regular basis (when their typical teenage-ness isn’t driving me nuts 😜😉). Their ability to gut it out and drive themselves further and further leaves me smiling from ear to ear. Throughout their challenges and obstacles they keep pushing AND they keep supporting each other so well.

Watching Gavin push himself to one of his best 400m legs tonight was so much fun to watch. Seeing the support from his brother filled me with joy. So thankful for their ongoing ability to push themselves further and further towards their goals and dreams.

Presence:

My run this morning felt AMAZING!!! For whatever reason everything felt good, loose, stretched, and ready to go. The feeling of everything clicking during the run felt great. Even when I stepped in a pothole puddle and rolled my ankle a bit everything kept moving smooth!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,135

Growth:

Yet another reminder of why it’s important to enjoy the good weather while we have it! Shortly after I woke up this morning and just and I were out in the woods taking Leia for a walk. The air was already heavy with the humidity of impending rain, we were just about back to the car by the time the first drops started to fall… which seemed to continue all day long. So had we got outside and enjoyed the fresh air while we could stay dry!

Appreciation:

What a perfect day to get things done in the house and then curl up with a great book! This weather forced a necessary shift in my activity level and reminded me to pause and enjoy a little chill. Between my audiobook while getting a couple of things done and my paperback on the couch I was able to get an abundance of reading in. Felt great!

Presence:

Is there much better smell in life than the smell of an old paperback book that is well over forty years old? Sounds crazy, but it is such a pleasurable experience! Totally reminded of the appeal of old used books while reading Alive by Piers Paul Read today!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,134

Twenty two years ago today the crazy late April snowstorm was enough to knock out the electricity in Medford, WI, but it wasn’t enough to stop the two of us from getting married,

Over the past 22 years we’ve been through so many adventures the I still can’t believe we’ve somehow packed so much into 22 years! I’m thankful for each year and each moment I’ve been blessed to share with Becky in marriage.

Spending time today walking back through so many memories together was an awesome gift, on which leaves my soul full of joy. Here’s to 22 years of adventures and joy together and to another 50+ ahead of us!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,133

Growth:

Sometimes the most difficult thing to do is to slow down, rest, and allow recovery. Slow down to go fast in the future.

Appreciation:

What a week of work it has been! So much accomplished, several successes, opportunities to learn – all in all a very fulfilling week! There was a lot to it, but so much to appreciate.

Presence:

This morning I put in my earbuds and went to town on a project I’ve wanted to get done for a while. As I jammed out I was singlemindedly focused on the task at hand and got it done.

Once I finished I turned and saw a new sheet of paper on the table. Turns out I was do locked in I didn’t even notice a teammate walk in, try talking with me, and the set the paper on my table! 😄

Nothing like getting completely lost in a task in a full on state of flow!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,132

Growth:

How many stories are written about someone whose life has been comfortable, easy, and without challenge? We are forged in the crucible of challenges, setbacks, and obstacles, the struggles help distill us into our best selves – so long as we choose a growth mindset throughout those moments of difficulty. The frustrating things have already happened, why not choose to create a positive through it? All we control is how we respond, choose growth.

Appreciation:

I cannot even begin to count how many times I felt pulled towards purpose and values today. I did not live the day perfectly, but I lived it better as a result of keeping both in mind more often.

Purpose and values – what wonderful guiding lights to draw us from the gravitational pull of the drift of a life lived without intention.

Presence:

Nothing quite like turning on the sound cancellation feature on my AirPods, blasting some Rage Against the Machine, and throwing around some weights! My legs and abs have felt thrashed from yesterday’s lift, the same way my shoulders and chest will likely feel tomorrow. Progress isn’t made in moments of comfort, it lies within discomfort. Savor the soreness, it is a sign of growth.

Thanks!!!