Day 3,475

Short one today due to still feeling like garbage today, but one that I’m very grateful for.

Ever since Dominic went off to college we have a standing FaceTime call every Wednesday and Sunday night. We all hop on together, learn an out what’s been going on in his world, share what’s up from life in La Crosse, and joke around as always. Nice having a regular conversation worked right into our busy lives to help keep us all connected!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,474

Whew – not one to remember for the long haul today, I feel like hot garbage. Touch of fever, sore throat, snotty, gross, and burning chest. Yuck!

Rather than being a moron I made the right call to pause, lay low, and work on recovery. Getting better, bed shortly will feel great!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,473

Growth:

When working towards a long term goal it’s okay if you skip a little just as long as you pick yourself up and get back at it right away.

Appreciation:

Waking up early for our morning run. Getting home while it is still light out, eating supper a little early, and then heading out to yoga date night with Becky. Spending time catching up with Gavin about his school day. Now all chilling on the couch, soon to be all three of us reading quietly. Some of the highlights of the day!

Presence:

Yeah, not even going to pretend that yoga wasn’t one of the most present moments of my day. Outstanding as always, even more so tonight! Lace did an awesome job of keeping us moving in unexpected ways, my breathing and my sweating were my only ongoing focuses. Such an exquisite sensation of presence!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,472

No need to get all verbose today, I spent more hours relaxing on the couch and reading a great book than I have in a long while! So nice to chill, read, take in an awesome story, and go back to one of my absolute favorite pastimes from when I was a kid. I could read for hours on end, today I felt like I could do the same.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,471

Growth:

Enjoy a fun fiction once in a while! Today I had the opportunity to sink my teeth deep into one and I enjoyed every moment of it. Relax, enjoy a story, it’s worth the ride.

Appreciation:

While I wanted a wonderful weather weekend the dark, damp, and dreary weekend was exactly what I needed. Time to chill, relax my mind, read, go for a hike and a walk, calm. Had the weather been nicer I would’ve tried to get more done, this weather helped keep my chill like I needed.

Presence:

Epic game of Battleship with Gavin this evening! It all came down to our final shots, he took a 50/50 shot and nailed it. Though I lost I still took one last shot, another 50/50, and nailed it too! Fun, laughs, a great memory, and time together.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,470

Growth:

Remember to work on, not just in. Take time to zoom out, make sure it’s all lined up in the right direction, and then take action and jump in as needed.

Appreciation:

Sometimes it’s nice to create a pocket of space to have the room needed to work on what must be done. Today I’m grateful for taking the time to do just that!

Presence:

This moment right around sunrise…

Thanks!!!

Day 3,469

Growth:

Once we know what we want, what brings us joy, what fuels us, it is so much easier to find ways to do more of that. In my case I’m finding walking outdoors continues to be one of the most joyful and peaceful experiences. So thankful it is free, simple, and so easily accessible!

Appreciation:

When I think back to the COVID experience of five years ago one of the memories that brings a smile is the fact that we would walk as a family over lunch and then again after supper. We largely unplugged together and enjoyed a simple activity without distraction, an opportunity to be engaged with each other while also being outside.

Over the past couple of weeks Becky and I have been walking more and more often in addition to our morning runs. The bonus outdoor time filled with movement is so calming and very much needed after a busy work day. The extra time to connect with her has been amazing too!

Presence:

Walking in the sun through the cemetery while listening to the climax of an engaging audiobook during lunch… exactly what the doctor ordered to get me re-energized for the afternoon!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,468

Growth:

When in doubt, pullover, find a quiet road, follow it to the dead end, and enjoy the sunrise. You’ll never regret the moments it takes to stand in complete awe of the beauty of nature.

Appreciation:

We always have a choice to make. When facing difficulty and hardship do we choose to suffer and succumb or do we choose to suffer and grow? In choosing growth we move ourselves closer to who we are called to be, we build relationships with those who help to strengthen us, and we find ways to push forward. Here’s to all the people who helped me through difficulty today!

Presence:

Thanks!!!

Day 3,467

Growth:

Live from past mistakes or be doomed to repeat them. Stay disciplined in the moments of stress, tay focused on the strategy the cool mind created prior to challenge. Indifferent flow, nonyielding soul.

Appreciation:

Nothing like subtle reminders of past vacations and memories made with loved ones to bring a smile to a stressful day! Going back through old vacation pics had me smiling as I reminisced. One more reminder of why I need to keep putting the emphasis on creating memories, of experiencing the beauty of nature, and getting myself lost in the sense of awe in the wilderness.

Presence:

This afternoon I took a walk over lunch to soak in some sun, to escape the workstation to the outdoors, to be in motion rather than sitting. Moving, stretching, basking in the sun, enjoying the outdoors, walking around the lake. Exactly the respite I needed today!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,466

Growth:

Clarity, communication, openness, listening – all so important in reaching a goal. Reminders throughout the day and the week of taking the time to clearly communicate goals, to pause and listen to ensure all is understood, and the openness to discuss any possible challenges and misunderstandings. Each reminder a moment of growth!

Appreciation:

Running into a 21 mph headwind is likely no one’s idea of a good time, certainly not mine. That said, Becky and I still knocked out our Monday morning run in spite of the gusty weather. We didn’t talk nearly as much as normal as we were both too focused on breathing with excess air being pounded in our faces, but we still ran it together. Mornings like this remind me of how thankful I am for the shared passions we have, the shared motivation, and the way Becky always seems to help push me to be a better me.

Presence:

Breathing in the studio, literally dripping with sweat, focused on nothing but my breath and the position of my limbs. There’s a blank wall a few feet in front of me, no screens, no sounds other than the instructor’s voice giving direction. Everything else in the world fades away, there is only the motion, the breath, and the moment.

Thanks!!!