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 3,139
Growth:
Perfect time to spend a little extra focus on the lyrics that initially hooked me on The Strumbellas, such inspiring words to live into!
And I don’t want a never ending life, I just want to be alive while I’m here.
The Strumbellas, Spirits
Appreciation:
As Becky reminded me today, we are a family who works hard and plays hard. Over the next handful of weeks she’s gone over 50% of the time for work. It’s very common for us both to be working early and late, knocking out work tasks after hours. We’re also very cognizant of making sure we have time for our non work dreams and goals also. The pace can be a bit crazy on both ends of the spectrum, but I can’t imagine it any other way!
Presence:
Jamming out to the set list from last nights concert was amazing today!!! No better way to wrap up our mini-trip than listening to the songs again.
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!!!
Day 3,131
Growth:
There was an inspiring quote shared in the book I’m currently reading that really hit home:
Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life.
Dogen
Appreciation:
About every seven to nine months I get to experience a wildly gratifying sensation, I finish one work journal and start a new one. I’ve found my specific journal style, the Moleskine Pro Hardcover XL, and the unwrapping of the plastic wrap feels better than it has any right to.
When the previous notebook is full I pause and take a little walk down memory lane and reread the previous months’ notes. I prep it to be placed in my bookshelf with the others and often find myself reviewing those as well. I then start the new notebook the same way as its predecessors, I write in my name, cell number, and “Good karma 😄” in as the reward for returning it to me if it was returned.
This whole process is a ritual to remind me of how much I appreciate keeping a paper journal of my thoughts, notes, and tasks. It is incredibly satisfying and is something I look forward to when there’s only a dozen or so blank pages left.
Presence:
Becky and I got our run in together this morning, had a handful of minutes together after work, and only a few more after a work dinner. In the last little chunk of time we laughed and laughed together watching a short clip of SNL with a pair of people who looked like Beavis & Butthead. Sharing a couple moments of laughter was outstanding!
Thanks!!!
