Day 3,688

Growth:

Let go and trust the process. So often it becomes so easy to stress that which has not yet happened, to try to control situations which we have zero impact . Chill, take a deep breath, be present, and let life happen. The right actions will happen, why stress them when we don’t have to? Once they happen we can know exactly what we’re working on and how to work through it. Let go. Trust the process.

Appreciation:

This morning Gavin and I spent some time with Ken sighting in Gavin and Dominic’s rifles for the upcoming hunting season. This simple task brought back so many memories of doing the same with Dad so many years ago. We would head out to the gravel pit for some target practice about this time of the year and take our time lining up our scopes as we prepped for hunting. Just like those times with Dad there were jokes, smiles, advice, coaching, and bonding. Such a simple act, but so full of memories, an act that often feels like an ongoing rite of passage.

The rifle Gavin uses was my rifle growing up, it must be about three dozen years old by now. The rifle Dominic uses was my Grandpa’s from way back in the day and then used by Dad afterwards. I’ve shot each one many times and the sense of nostalgia still washes over me each time I shoot or see the boys fire them. Each rifle a tool to be used for generations, something to be passed on to others. As each is used the ghosts of the past owners all feel nearby.

Such a wonderful moment shared amongst generations today.

Presence:

Again, I know I sound like a broken record, but getting hiking time outside is one of my favorite things, no question! This morning I had the opportunity to get a nice hike in with Gavin out in the woods with just the two of us and Leia. Shortly thereafter it was time for Becky and I to take Leia for a walk with the two of us again. Both times it was so chill to have some quiet one on one time with each while also absorbing so much fresh air. Seeing all the leaves, the animal signs, and taking in everything nature has to offer was a wonderful form of therapy.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,687

Growth:

The more we focus on our dreams, review them, and put our attention to them the more often we are likely to achieve them.

Appreciation:

Extra outside time walking in the woods with Becky… one of my all time favorite activities!

Presence:

Spending time on the couch watching the World Series game going back and forth with Gavin has been fun. The bonus texts with my little brother have added to the experience. The nonstop momentum changes, crazy pressures, and lots of bonding – great times!!!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,685

Growth:

Appreciation:

Not all days are going to be +2 days (each day I track where my day was on a -2 to +2 continuum of joy), and that’s okay. It is in the most difficult of days when we have the unique opportunity to learn the most about ourselves. Those are the days when we have to choose our attitude. The days we have a choice to make – throw in the towel or dig deep and go harder. They are not easy days to work through, they are not easy choices to to make, but they are the days that provide us an opportunity to grow into who we are supposed to be.

Presence:

The split second before my half full Diet Coke spilled in my lap while driving down the highway going 65 mph when I don’t have enough time to drive back home to get new pants and realizing that I don’t have any napkins readily available in the car… Who knew one could be so hyper focused and cycle through so many thoughts in a nanosecond before squealing as the ice cold liquid hits my crotch?

Thanks!!!

Day 3,684

Growth:

This quote read yesterday kept going through my brain all day today. I can’t help but wonder how much happier I would be if I asked more questions, listened more, and talked less. Listening leads to understanding.

Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.

Voltaire

Appreciation:

Hearing Dominic talk about his upcoming intern search for the next year. Reading Gavin’s college application essays and reading his social psychology poster. Talking with Becky about her day as spend moments of calm together. Amongst the craziness and chaos and demands of a ridiculously busy work day those moments are the bastions of joy, my moments of calm amongst the storm. So grateful for the time with my family as I wrap up my evening!

Presence:

Taking these moments on the couch to relax, reflect on the day, and mentally account for what I am grateful for. They are moments I can easily take for granted and miss in my appreciation, but they are the reason my appreciation happens as often as it does. This quiet time in contemplation, organizing my thoughts, and concentrating on what I am grateful for is amongst my best times of the entire day.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,683

LOL – I am still not quite sure how or why I am this exhausted, but I’m going to listen to my body and totally roll with it!

I’ve got an early start tomorrow followed by a long day, might as well get myself recharged and ready for tomorrow. A great night of sleep is always appreciated, so glad I’m taking advantage of an evening with no plans to lay down and knock out the ZZZ’s a little early!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,681

Growth:

Nothing like leaning into an epic dream launched by a friend! As James mentioned Sleeping Giant Provincial Park for a backpacking trip I totally jumped right into planning and prep mode. Not sure which part I’m more excited for, the trip itself or seeing him enjoy something he’s wanted to see for a while.

Appreciation:

While it is a little sad to start closing up the campervan for the season there was something so chill and therapeutic about going through the steps of winterizing it. Basic cleaning and organizing, cleaning out the pipes, and getting it washed before putting it into storage for a while.

Many adventures have been had over the past eight months or so, time to let it rest, and then pull it back out to create more memories next year!

Presence:

Sitting outside in the morning with friends, watching an eagle fly over with a fish hanging from its beak as it glides by the bluffs alongside the stream. Not a bad way to stay off the day!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,680

Long day, short blog.

Great day with lifelong friends, so many laughs and memories shared.  New adventures planned.  So much joy sharing stories of life, hearing about each other’s experiences.

Thanks!!!