Tag: appreciation

Thankful for Working Ahead, a String of Helpful Health Related Books, and a Spectacular Snowfall

Day 2,271

Growth:

Working ahead really paid off today! I am becoming more and more trusting in one of my biggest habit changes for 2023… planning further and further ahead (while also providing some wiggle room). There were a small handful of last minute changes today that I was totally not expecting. Had I not already been ahead for the week I’d be in full blown panic mode and putting things together more with a focus on done than done right. I’m so thankful I’m working ahead of where I need to be, it allowed me additional flexibility today!

Appreciation:

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve been on a fun reading detour. I started with The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof, moved into Breath by James Nestor, and chased it up with What Doesn’t Kill Us by Scott Carney. For dessert I’ve just started reading Deep by James Nestor. The first three spend a lot of time focused on the healing powers of breath and cold. Last night I utilized a meditation and breathing based treatment to help with a nagging injury and I woke up feeling better than I have in a long time. All are based on reminding ourselves of just how little we know about our bodies and the ways that little changes and practices can make a big difference. Pulling practices from each is already showing some beneficial results on my heart rate.

My reading diet typically consists of a rotation of business / leadership book, a biography / autobiography, and fiction. Mixing in a healthy dose of fitness minded books has helped to remind me that without my health the rest of what I read doesn’t matter nearly as much. Getting on a reading kick like this has been a treat!

Presence:

This snow is so beautiful!!! The way it has stuck to all the trees has made so much of my drive to Winona look like it is a black and white scene in a very unique and spectacular way. Even shoveling felt great today. This morning I was out early in nothing but a tshirt, shorts, sandals, hat, & gloves and I enjoyed every shovel stroke. So peaceful with the snow falling all around me.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Breakthrough, Awareness & Flexibility, and Balance Boards

Day 2,270

Growth:

So often it is difficult to see the growth from each rep that gets put in. There are seemingly no gains for quite a while when putting in work towards a long term goal. At some point enough momentum is created and the entire wheel seems to turn almost effortlessly. So easy to see the final pushes and credit them for the success, but more accurate to look at each rep that came before it as equals to the last.

This afternoon I was able to see the breakthrough. Honestly, I was quite surprised! Once I realized what had happened I looked back and saw I had taken so many more reps than I thought, they’d all blended together in my memory until I paused to focus on them.

When working towards a long term goal stay on target with the minor details and menial tasks. Stay focused, stay consistent, and trust the process. The breakthrough will come as a result of all the repetitions.

Appreciation:

My task list for the week is extensive but all with end of the week deadlines. I started on one of the larger projects today and cruised right past the finish line I’d set for myself for the day on it. My thought was to hit a certain point and then move on to the next project. Instead I went with the flow I was in and just kept rolling. Rather than switching gears I was able to keep the momentum going and accelerate through the end of the work day. Tomorrow I’ll head back to the other stuff on my list.

What I’m really thankful for is the awareness to know when I’m in the flow and able to keep rolling AND for working ahead on almost all of the other projects so I have the flexibility to stay on one task longer.

Presence:

I got myself a new office “toy” for my standing desk. My balance board arrived today and I’m already in love! Standing on it and attempting to balance brought me 100% into the present moment as I felt all of my foot, leg, and core muscles working and twitching to keep myself upright. Talk about a great sensation! My right achilles has been bothering my a little lately and the time on the board helped loosen it right up.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for It’s a Wonderful Life

Thankful for It’s a Wonderful Life

Day 2,267

I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve watched the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Sometime around the holidays it ends up getting played in our house, just like clockwork. Each time I start to watch I kind of groan a bit and halfheartedly look for a distraction. Tonight Becky fired it up and I found myself gravitationally pulled towards the living room to watch it with her. Even though we didn’t finish the movie tonight due to a band concert it seemed worthy to write my blog tonight around the theme of It’s a Wonderful Life.

Growth:

No one steps in the same river twice. Today I was reminded of how the same concepts land differently with the changes lived through life. There were different spots resonating more deeply than ever before, just as other things had done in each of the past viewings. What I’m impressed by most is the ability of the movie to capture so many common emotions at so many different levels. Each time watching it is like a whole new experience

Appreciation:

As mentioned above there’s always something a little different that hits home each time I watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Based on a handful of reasons I’ll keep to myself on this one I was almost sobbing she I caught this short scene…

What incredibly powerful words those are below the picture of Pa Bailey. The words are never spoken, just shown in the bottom corner of the screen for only a few seconds, and can be so easily missed. Blended with emotions building over the past couple of weeks and my mind and heart have been stuck on this concept all night. What a gift this movie still gives after more than 75 years. A dozen words, a lifetime of wisdom.

All you can take with you is that which you give away.

Presence:

There’s something special about sharing emotions and tears with a spouse / significant other / loved one. More than once we both sniffled together and caught each other looking to the other for emotional support and validation of our shared feelings. Knowing that we are in tune with each other at such a deep emotional level is a profoundly powerful sensation.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Clarity on Clarity, Deeper Learning from Leaders, & the Presence of Speaking

Day 2,229

Growth:

In one of our learning sessions today the speaker shared this thought provoking insight, “Clarity is controllable.”

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a leader is providing the necessary clarity of goals for my team. This comment reminded me that of all that I do as a leader providing clarity is amongst the most important, if not the most important. What a perfect reminder for me to be intentional about being completely clear in our vision and goals!

Appreciation:

One of my favorite The Far Side cartoons by Gary Larson is one which the line is, “Mr. Osborne, may I be excused? My brain is full.” That is exactly how I am feeling after 24 hours of our Express Leadership Academy Alumni Retreat. So many ideas are already stuffed into my brain bucket, I’m afraid if I add any more some will slosh out when I walk!

What I’m most appreciative for is the opportunity to learn from other leaders. Yes, the strategy and tactics are fantastic, but I’m talking about the deeper learning that is there is I remember to watch for it below the surface. How does the leader show their values in the way they communicate? If I listen to a deeper frequency there are more profound and impactful lessons to learn. There were two specifically today which moved me deeply.

One leader who is amongst the most successful in our 800+ offices showed such a deep level of humility. She’s done a superb job of quieting ego while continuing to lead the way to success. Her integrity shown through so clearly as well, everything she does is with excellence. She’s focused on the most important and gets at it. As I re-read Meditations I can’t help but see how she embodies so many of the Stoic principles.

Another leader is exceptionally courageous while also leading with dynamic clarity. She is willing to try new things, to see where the world is going and get there before anyone else does. She reminds me of the Wayne Gretzky quote, “Most people skate to the puck, I skate to where the pick will be.” That takes courage and old fashioned guts. New ideas are never easy and are often criticized… until everyone realizes just how brilliant the idea really is.  Her courage to do what’s right is truly uplifting.

There is no question I can draw inspiration from both of these leaders at a level deeper than their tactics and strategies. From them I can learn to be a better me. I am so thankful today for the opportunity to learn from them.

Presence:

Speaking in front of a group is one of my favorite ways to be 100% focused in the present moment. There is no room to day dream, to drift off, or to consider all the things going on in life. 

There is only the audience to focus on, watching their nonverbals and responding accordingly. What’s hitting home, what’s not. Who had a deeply emotional connection to the specific line. Which phrases or points packed the most punch. The speaking itself is muscle memory, the true presence in in the micro adaptions to the audience to provide them the best possible experience.

Having an opportunity to speak to an audience is a practice in forced presence and focus, I am so appreciative for that opportunity!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Taking a Breath, a Life Changing Moment, and Listening with Presence

Day 2,198

Growth:

What a ride home it was today! While waiting at a red light I was rear ended. I pulled to the side of the road, saw there was damage, and then got back in to pull over in a safer place. While I did that the driver of the other car hit the gas and drove away.

Rather than getting angry I took a deep breath – heeding my advice from yesterday’s blog. I calmly called the police and they were able to get everything rolling. While I sat in the car and awaited further instruction I took another deep breath and started typing this blog.

I would normally have gotten very upset in a situation like this. Having just written about this very topic only yesterday helped me remember that what was done was done, there was no point in wasting emotional energy over it. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks! 😉

Appreciation:

Way back in the day a friend really caught my attention by asking a very simple question.

“Are you okay? You don’t seem yourself.”

For ways I’ll keep to myself that question literally altered the direction of my life for the better. I can honestly say the likelihood of my life being the same is almost zero thanks to her moment of focus, concern, and caring. I learned so many valuable lessons in that moment – about myself, life, and others. It was transformative.

The question was simple, the intent heartfelt, the impact profound. I appreciate that question, that moment, and that friend tremendously.

Presence:

Sometimes we must listen with more than our ears. I know, technically you can only “hear” with your ears, but I swear there are other ways to “listen” to other people. Today I’m thankful I paused to really listen and take the appropriate action. I’m also thankful for the moment I described above as that helped me see the right action to take to help.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Pausing, Reflecting, and a Single Maple Tree

Day 2,197

Growth:

The growth moment for today is one which has presented itself in a handful of ways over the past week or two. The lesson has shown up as a very clearly and directly as well as undervocer as a metaphor and as a lived example of why it is important. All around me are these clues and gestures which point to a better way of being.

The lesson? There’ve been a handful of subtle variations but at its core is this…

Count to three, take a deep breath, and then respond. Don’t react immediately, take a moment to pause and think, and then take action.

So wonderfully simple and easy, yet wildly difficult. So much more work to put into my practice of doing this correctly.

Appreciation:

My gratitude today comes as a result of a few different articles in APNews.com recently. I am so blessed, fortunate, and grateful for my life in this country. While I drive with my family to go for a leisurely hike in the bluffs there are so many people living through unspeakable challenges throughout the world. The situation I live in each day is very fortunate and I’m thankful for the life I’m able to live. My heart aches for those in difficult situations, I know I must do better to help others who need it.

Presence:

Hiking in the bluffs always brings about such calm. The smell of the woods mixed with the spectacular vistas could help me lose myself in the beauty of the present in an instant.

What really jumped out to me today was something truly exquisite. While atop the ridge of a bluff we looked over the expanse of the Mississippi River Valley. So many trees, plants, rock formations, backwaters, and so on along the river, beauty ot be found everywhere. Where I lost myself in the present during that time was when my eyes chanced upon a single maple in blazing red standing all alone amongst a sea of green leaves. It was simply stunning.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Shackleton, Naps, and Time with Teammates Outside of Work

Day 2,196

Growth:

At a dinner with friend this evening we spent some time talking about a variety of topics, one in particular really caught my attention. For a number of years the story of Shackleton and the Endurance has been one I’ve wanted to learn more about. Two of the people I was talking with got into a discussion about that specific story. In less than ten minutes of conversation I was hopping into my Audible account to add South to my wish list. Why add this to the “Growth” section today? Reading is one of my favorite things, the opportunity to learn new things is always high on my list. Hearing these stories had me re-energized to learn more about this incredible journey.

Appreciation:

I’ve been going pretty hard for quite a few straight weeks now and definitely was feeling it. After taking LuLu for a walk in the sun I listened to my body and took a nap. It was glorious! I’m so thankul for taking a moment (or twenty) to rest, relax, and recharge. The rest of the day was much improved as a result.

Presence:

At the Maple Leaf Parade for Oktoberfest in La Crosse I had the opportunity to spend a little bit of time with one of my teammates. I met more of her family, spent time joking around and shooting the bull, and enjoyed their company. It was awesome! As I walked back to the rest of my family I realized how great it was to be 100% in the moment with my teammate and her family, to have great conversation, and to enjoy their company. Good stuff!

Thanks!!!

Thankful for an Insightful Read, a Strong Culture, & Lasagna

Day 2,195

Growth:

Patrick Lencioni does an outstanding job of putting leadership and self-development concepts into easy to understand “business fables.” Rather than just sharing the idea he puts it into a story to help really flesh out the bones. I’ve almost finished his latest book The 6 Types of Working Genius and have learned much. Highly recommended!!!

Appreciation:

We had a team interview for a new potential teammate today that went exceedingly well. What really stuck out to me was how much of the time our culture was brought up by my teammates as a selling point as well as by the candidate who’d shadowed our office and already had a couple of other offers on the table. Designing and building the culture we’ve wanted has taken much time and effort, it was nice to see it paying off in this fashion today.

Presence:

This morning I caught myself lost in the present moment in a way I wasn’t quite expecting. For breakfast I enjoyed the last pieces of my birthday lasagna. Yes, that is correct, I had lasagna for breakfast. Over the past couple of days I found presence in observing something beautiful with my eyes. Today I encountered presence in the sense of taste. So delicious, so grounding in that moment.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Being Humbled By and Learning From Loss

Day 2,128

Our LuLu is definitely showing her age more and more quickly each day. She’s got some serious elbow issues that are causing a great deal of pain. The vet has her on a few doses of pain pills to help until we figure out if there’s any viable way to help her get healthy-ish.

LuLu has quickly brought the specter of loss into my life again. In many ways I know Death awaits us all, but when it gets close enough to sense it feels like a whole different level of awareness.

This evening I couldn’t help but chuckle at a somber realization that here I am, my book about grief just about to be published, and I’m humbled the impending sense of loss. We haven’t even gotten the worst of news, yet the feeling of loss is already catching like wildfire… and it feels wildly humbling. There is zero control I have in this part of the future, I have a similar feeling to being in Iceland alongside the mountains – I am so powerless and insignificant compared to the power of death and of nature.

While this feels (& sounds) very dark in many levels, there’s also an appreciation for the sensation buried down deep past the emotions. If I allow myself to look into the abyss of loss and don’t struggle in futility to gain control the sense of being completely humbled can feel oddly comforting and centering. I can only control how I respond, how i react, and how I process the moment. Truly letting go and accepting the lack of control, the tremendous powerlessness allows me to more clearly focus on choosing my response, how I frame the loss, and how I find purpose in the loss. It still hurts like hell, but there is a faint glimmer to be found when I look deeply enough for it.

We feel the fullest loss for those who we’ve loved most. The more the hurt, the more the love there’s been. As someone put it when Dad was dying, “don’t be sad for what you’ve lost, rejoice and be grateful for what you’ve had.”

As I laid next to LuLu on the deck, snuggled with her, and rubbed her belly I was on used on all we’ve been blessed to enjoy together. She’s brought me so many smiles, so much joy, and more love than I’d dreamt possible from a furry companion. LuLu has created so many awesome memories I will cherish forever and continue to talk with family about for as long as I’m blessed to walk the earth. I’m so fortunate for all the love she’s given in our years and years together.

I’m thinking back to what I learned from losing Dad I’m also reminded to more deeply appreciate each moment I get with her. She’s not gone yet, and who knows, she could still be with us for a very long time. One of the beauties of loss (& yes, I just said that) is the reminder it provides us to appreciate each moment we have. The specter of loss may be looming, but it doesn’t have to create shade.

As the old saying goes, “the nature of rain is the same, but it makes thorns grow in the marshes and flowers in the gardens.

Tonight I’m choosing to embrace the specter of loss. I will use it to create flowers in the garden of now until my tears water the flowers of tomorrow.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for an Interesting Realization – the Negativity of the Word “Should”

Day 2,030

In a conversation earlier today a teammate reminded me of a story we’d both recently heard from a cohort. The cohort had shared how the use of the word “should” was a personal battle cry for them, hearing it made them immediately stand up AGAINST whatever action the other person said “should” be done. My teammate and I both bristled thinking about both the times when we’ve heard that used on us as well as the times when we’ve used it when talking with others. It felt really uncomfortable, but we both kind of laughed it off and then moved on with our day.

In a different conversation with another person the word came up again. This time the other person immediately shared that “should” is a judgement word and has some very negative connotations. When we dove back into the use of the word my brain really had to pause and digest. What was being said was 100% spot on and truly enlightening on so many levels.

Quite often, when I use the word should it really does the exact opposite of what I’d like while also showing judgement on the person and/or their action. What even got me more was the realization that there are so many better ways to help each other than using “should.” Specifically, starting with the age old “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Rather than immediately passing judgement and sharing my supposed “right” way, what if I paused to ask more questions to understand the “why” of the situation? How much more enlightening would the conversations be to listen, learn, and grow rather than immediately move into “fixing” mode?

As we dug in the person also shared how they have heard of using an actual clicker to track all the times they say judgement words like “should” throughout the day. Without having one in hand my mind was already pretty rocked by catching MANY times those six letters came out of my mouth through the remainder of the day.

Wowza… The gap between who I am and who I’m called to be spread a little wider today, didn’t it? Hmm… that’s not quite right. Maybe a better analogy would be – the fog lifted to help me more clearly see how much of the gap I didn’t know existed? Yup, I’m leaving this whole long thought process in here, this blogging thing really helps me work things out and it feels right to leave it as a clue for my future self to go back to one day.

Sometimes all you can do is smile as you realize just how big the gap is, and realize that it just means there’s more opportunity to grow into who we are called to be. 🙂

If you want more info all you have to do is Google “should judgement word” and your mind will be blown as mine was.

Thanks!!!