Thankful for Living Intentionally, Sharing the Experience, & Three Minutes of Awe

Thankful for Living Intentionally, Sharing the Experience, & Three Minutes of Awe

Day 3,115

Growth:

So much of life is about intentionality. When we choose to pursue our purpose and to create our path we have the opportunity to live into our best lives. This doesn’t just happen, this means we must determine what is most important to us and then create the life in which will lead us there. Approximately seven years ago Becky, Gavin, & I intentionally chose to keep this date reserved to watch the solar eclipse in its totality. We took action, we planned ahead, we put it on the calendar, and then we navigated a handful of very unexpected surprises – including a tornado taking out the AirBNB we’d reserved well over a year in advance. I’m so thankful we chose to live intentionally into this dream!

Appreciation:

I can’t even begin to put into words just how mind blowing the eclipse was today. So thankful to have had the opportunity to share it with Becky and Gavin (too bad Dominic had college classes today!). This experience is one that the three of us will share forever. So grateful for taking the time away to witness this!

Presence:

My mind is still struggling to comprehend what I experienced this afternoon. Anticipation and excitement were running at an all time high as the last little sliver of the sun slowly disappeared. In an instant everything around me changed, the sun disappeared completely and instead was replaced with a black circle surrounded by a circle of white which shown unlike anything I’ve every seen or dreamt in my entire life. Around the rim of white there were the occasional bright pink dots of solar flares dancing. It was so beautiful and truly awesome that I was moved to tears. Never in my life have I experienced anything quite so surreal as that moment. Although it lasted for over three minutes it felt like only seconds. That image of those three minutes will be imprinted in my mind and soul for the entirety of my life (and likely then some).

Thanks!!!

Thankful for Planning and Luck, National Park #32, & a Stream Crossing

Day 3,114

Growth:

Nothing like early starts and some good old fashioned luck! Between getting up and moving early and pure luck our timing today was impeccable. We were able to easily find a parking spot at the trailhead. We lucked into a parking spot at the next trailhead. When we went out to eat there just happened to be one table open.

Sometimes it is s about planning ahead and being early. Other times luck just seems to make things work out. Here’s to both!

Appreciation:

National Park #32 for Becky and I is in the books! Cuyahoga Valley National Park was much cooler than expected! Between the hills, the streams, and the rock formations there was a lot to see in our day of hiking. It was definitely very busy due to the upcoming eclipse, but very much worth the trip.

Exploring the rock formations at The Ledges

We’re now just over halfway to our goal of visiting them all 😄

Presence:

I think my favorite part of our hike today was a small creek crossing. The stream bed was a slate like rock and it was carved into the bottom of a small valley. A large rock outcropping stood sentinel over it, and there were trees all around. So peaceful and serene.

Thanks!!!