Day 3,034

Growth:

I’ve seen this before, but it struck a very different chord in me today and had a profoundly positive impact on how I chose to spend my day.

“No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself”

Seneca

This morning I started reading Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new book, Be Useful. Honestly, it has been blowing my mind page after page. So many examples of what focus and hard work can create in our lives. My workout this evening was improved as a result of the stories he shared. This quote was one of the most concise ways to summarize the first half of this book.

Appreciation:

From the start today has been a day which was very much off balance – and somehow that helped make the rest of day a very productive one. There have been plot twists, changes in plans, curveballs, and any other cliche you want to toss out there. When I think back there are at least six different events which easily could have disrupted my day and caused serious challenge. Instead, I chose to adapt.

Early in the morning I decided I would flow with the day rather than attempt to impose my will upon it. I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself to stay focused on my goals for the day while simultaneously flowing and bending like a sapling on a windy day. After the second change of pace I caught myself smiling and enjoying the struggle. How wild is that?

It’s bizarre, but even in a whirlwind of chaos and change there is a choice to make. Push back against the gusts and break, let go and blow away, or become one with the wind and allow it to shift us while still staying grounded. When we choose to stay grounded but flexible we can find ways to be productive towards our goals AND adapt to what’s going on around… AND enjoy the ride at the same time!

Today was a test, one I rather enjoyed. I never would have chosen the surprises along the way, but they really created an opportunity for me to learn and grow, a situation full of discomfort yet so full of opportunity. I chose positivity, flexibility, adaptability, and focus and I smiled the entire way. At one point I caught myself shaking my head while laughing to myself and asking, “what next” – not in frustration, but almost the crazy anticipation of the next opportunity to flex my “choose positivity” muscles. It was wild.

A topsy turvy day for sure, but one in which I grew, smiled, and made progress towards my goals.

Presence:

For a variety of reasons, my mind has gone back to Alaska today. Specifically, the day we helped Dad reach his 50th state. That moment shared with family, remains one of the most touching of my life. What a moment it was, a moment of both stillness, presence, and love.

Thanks!!!