Day 3,089

Growth:

Lessons from yesterday still held true today and helped me live a better today. Take time to listen without judgement, hear the person out completely, process what was said, ask clarifying questions, consider appropriate strategy, and then take action. Emotion can wait, logic and clarity first.

Appreciation:

The story of David Goggins continues to blow my mind, chapter after chapter after chapter. Hearing how he battled through obstacle after obstacle has me so jacked to keep pushing towards my goals. If you haven’t checked out his book yet head over to https://davidgoggins.com/ to learn more!

Presence:

Over the past couple of days I have had some awesomely motivating and inspirational conversations with teammates. Each of them were exactly what I needed in that moment to keep my head and heart in the right place. So thankful for each of them taking the time to talk through a handful of topics!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,088

Growth:

There is always a choice to make. We cannot control everything that happens, but we have 100% control over how we respond to what happens. When the unexpected starts coming at us over and over in a short period of time we can choose to panic and overreact, or we can choose to stay calm and us logic to solve the challenge. Today I chose calm and it made all the difference.

Appreciation:

In a very similar note as the Growth section today I’m grateful for choosing calm in the face of adversity today. This morning I headed off to work early and started off my ride with the right music to get my head in a good space. At the office I took a calming breath, put together my task list, and got after it. As surprises came my way I remained grounded yet flexible as tall grass in a field on a windy day. No tightening up, no over reacting, just calm and patience including setting deadlines for decisions later in the day so I could make the call with a clear head. Breathe in, breathe out, act calmly and intentionally.

Presence:

Due to our trip to Patagonia I missed our International Leadership Conference for the first time in 20+ years. Today I spent time in conversation with my two teammates who went and I was so pumped up by all they shared about their experiences at the event. While it wasn’t the same as being there I couldn’t help but be excited by the highly positive energy they exuded as they told me all about it. So motivating to spend itme with them as they shared their inspiration!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,087

Growth:

Even when it doesn’t feel right plan the vacation one day shorter than you’d like but keep the extra day blocked off. In the planning stage of vacation it is so tempting to add one more day of fun, but you will be so glad for the buffer to get back to reality halfway through the trip. No matter how prepared we may be there is always an opportunity for an unexpected challenge, add slack to the schedule and hold on to the holiday chill longer.

Appreciation:

Nothing like catching up with friends at Root Down Yoga! Regardless of the night or teacher there are always friendly faces, many laughs and smiles, and a hugely positive energy throughout. This evening I was able to catch up with old friends, get a big hug from Pam, and meet new yoga friends. The workout was amazing and the fellowship joyfully positive!

Presence:

Grocery shopping during a weekday afternoon was oddly more relaxing and enjoyable than I’d ever thought it could be! I had my AirPods in, had some excellently chill music playing, and worked through my list while still making eye contact and smiling. I’m still surprised at how chill I was the entire time!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,086

One of the benefits of travel is the reminder of how much we appreciate our home. Tonight I’m back home and about to crash in my own bed. Eating a home cooked meal with Becky and Gavin was awesome! Spending time with my family in our house was exactly what I was ready for today.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,805

Growth: One of the best lessons I taught myself a while back was to take the time to organize and sort through vacation photos and videos on the way home. Taking pictures is fun, cleaning out the chaff can be very tedious. By focusing on completion prior to getting home I’ll be able to enjoy and share them so much more easily! You’re welcome Future Mike, I’ve got your back!

Appreciation: Travel is such a gift, the opportunity to get outside of ourselves, explore something outside of our normal, and the chance to easily slip into a state of awe – reminding us how important it is to seek it in our day to day lives. The journey also reminds us of how much we appreciate our “normal” lives as we begin to long for home. So thankful for making the time and space to travel!

Presence: The hustle of sprinting through an airport – what a rush!!! This evening we had the opportunity to get an awesome strength and cardio workout in as we carried our bags and jogged from the domestic terminal to the international terminal. Nothing like the fear of being stranded to bring out the best in us!

Thanks!!!

Day 3,084

Growth:

You can always delete pictures, but you can’t tale more after the fact. I spent some time culling the herd from this vacation and am glad we captured so many moments to choose from!

Appreciation:

What a difference a day can make! We were so fortunate to have excellent weather yesterday for our whale watching tour, pretty sure we used up all our luck! Today was much different as evidenced by this comparison pic:

The angle is different, but the mountain is the same.

Based on the weather we punted, went back to sleep for a little bit, and then went with Plan B and had a blast! So thankful for the perfect weather at the right time and the flexibility to roll with whatever Mother Nature threw our way.

Presence:

So many laughs throughout the day! There weren’t screens out often, so nice having engaged time together.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,083

Growth: Awe is one of the most joy inspiring emotions. How much more joyful would I be if I sought out a sense of awe daily?

Appreciation: So many memories created together, so much conversation with each other, and so much love shared. Truly epic father and son day with Dominic today. Gavin and I have the Northern Lights Thanksgiving in Iceland, Dominic and I have the whale and glacier cruise past the end of the world. Priceless.

Presence: Seeing and hearing a humpback whale was mind boggling! The size, beauty, grace, and gentleness of the whales moved me to tears as I took in just what a gift it was to share a moment with them.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,082

Growth: While I want to squeeze every ounce of life out of the time I have it is important for me to remember that the best use of my time also includes a little rest. Today was one I was uncomfortable with scheduling in our vacation as it was a total off day filled with zero agenda. As I get ready for bed I realize that is exactly what I needed. Part of living life to its fullest is remembering to put gas in the tank once in a while.

Appreciation: In many ways I’ve already touched on this over the past handful of days but it bears repeating. Spending this much focused bonus time with Dominic has been outstanding! To have had the opportunity to do the same with Gavin in Iceland and with Becky multiple times over the past years strengthens our relationships and fills my soul tremendously!!!

Presence: So many jokes and laughs with Dominic and Steve today! We had an awesome time walking around Punta Arenas today and enjoyed so many sights that are definitely outside what we’re used to back home including some very interesting shopping malls, interesting wiring, interesting construction safety, interesting wild dogs, and interesting stores. Throughout we laughed, joked, and took it all in.

Thanks!!!

Day 3,081

Growth: Timing is everything. What we initially consider bad luck can often be a blessing in disguise. Enjoy the ride, for all its bumps and twists and turns. Know that wherever you are, you are right where you should be at that moment… even if you don’t think so initially.

Appreciation: Control what we can control. Be intentional in our actions. Create and seize the opportunity. Be the best and most authentic version of ourselves always. Enjoy each moment.

Presence: This moment right here:

Thanks!!!

Day 3,080

Short one tonight, getting late and I’m exhausted!

Growth: My right foot was ridiculously sore this morning when I got out of bed. I was quite nervous about what my hiking day would look like due to injury. Thankfully, I chanced it and my foot felt better after a half mile on the trail, it just needed to be loosened up. My growth moment today was this: in health and life always know the difference between discomfort and injury. One requires action, the other rest. Prescribe the right solution and when in doubt choose action.

Appreciation: Waking up early to get outside before sunrise is one of my favorite activities. This morning it led to an empty trail and an epic sunrise against the mountains.

Presence: While hiking in a state of bliss I proceeded to brush my hand lightly against a bush along the trail. Rather than a magical Disney moment I experienced the pain of three thorns jabbing me in the hand. Be in the moment and embrace it fully, but don’t be a dumbass, not everything was meant to be embraced.

Thanks!!!