Missed A Day

On rare occasions, I miss writing my list. Some days I just miss it. Not a thing about not wanting to write or not feeling like doing it. This time, yesterday, I was as simple as I forgot. I started my day in an unusual manner, answering messages and responding to emails. It’s atypical behavior. My morning routine is highly guarded. One of the many things I’ve learned from Herb over the years is to set aside time for my writing. Time to hone my craft, uninterrupted with minimal distractions.

About six years ago when I began writing these lists consistently, I noticed the best time of day for me was first thing in the morning. I’d start my coffee and I’d setup a playlist of uplifting songs to write to. Years have passed and some days, my writing feels mechanical. When that happens, I’ll take a small respite from writing. These lists are my way to commune with my Creator. A means to get quiet, gather focus, direction, and clarity. These lists provide a means to combat my depression and off thanks for another opportunity to serve Him and humanity.

Yesterday was a bit of an anomaly. I’ve learned what works and rarely do I deviate. I’ve learned that I fall into and out of habits at a great clip. Meaning, I can start and stop things on a whim. So when I have something that works, such as these lists, I tend to stick with it. The benefits far outweigh any negative consequences, at the moment I can’t think of any.

Last lesson from not writing yesterday is forgiveness. I don’t have to speak, aloud or silently, negatively towards myself. I don’t have to admonish my behavior. I am, after all, only human. I am with flaws. Perfection is an ideal in some distant, ideal version which I can strive for and never attain.

Today, Friday, April 14, 2023, I am grateful that:

I got a chance to talk to Stan yesterday. It’s funny how my youngest brother is 46. That means we’re both getting up in age. I can remember my parents bringing him home from the hospital and now, so many years later we’re still here. It was cool to catch since we hadn’t spoken in a few months.

Herb and I had a great conversation. Easter marked another milestone in his stewardship of pastoring this particular church. He had a great turn out and was enthusiastic about the congregation. We covered a few other topics, but that was a big one for him and I’m happy we got a chance to talk about it for a bit.

Jake and Grady both reached out about some work opportunities. Both are well within my wheelhouse. It’s cool that over the last few months I’ve been adding more skills and learning some of the newest tools. No sooner than I get my competency level up, opportunities appear to show off my newest skills and earn a bit of income as well.

Do you grant yourself forgiveness when you fall short of your ideal?

What would it take for you to do so?

Are you aware that this version of you is the best, most experienced version of yourself?

Be Great. Be Grateful!!!