27/10/2024
Hi friends! What a wonderful weekend it’s been! The winter weather Saturday and today the absolutely beautiful fall sunshine and warmth! There is so much to be grateful for.
Last Saturday I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Ironman race. I found myself in a kayak before sunrise and experience reminded me to bring myself some comfort for the discomfort. Getting up at 445 on a Saturday and getting into the Atlantic Ocean, some may not, but I consider very uncomfortable.
My thermos of hot coffee and a delicious Mommi bakery pastry was exactly that.
All this to say, this is on offer everyday.
Go to bed early. Eat and sleep well. Get up early and move. This is the recipe for a grateful existence. The gifts of life magically appear when we show up.
Had I stayed in bed, I’d have missed this sunrise. I’d have missed the morning walk yesterday in the rain, and the glorious rainbow it revealed. I’d have missed the the opportunity to exhaust myself so that an early bedtime and deep sleep come with ease.
No matter where you are, this is true.
I spoke to my dad today in West Texas. He is 76. He was in the middle of his daily 7 mile (11.2 km) bike ride around the lake. What an absolute stud!!! And example!!! You can bet the afternoon weather there is not the same nirvana gifted to us here.
I can credit my dad with a lot of my philosophy and dedication. As I grew up seeing him show up for himself everyday.
But it’s not mandatory to have an example to follow to listen the knowing we all have deep within. He grew up as the fattest kid in school, without a father and a mom who was still living mostly for herself. He decided to show up for himself. He makes that decision every morning. And has now for 56 years.
Life is hard. But life can also be beautiful. And without exception, will overwhelm you with gratitude when you push past the resistance and show up to appreciate the gift of it all.
Have a wonderful week ahead!
*Tomorrow, Monday, we practice together on the paredão at 845. I hope to see you there!*
And on Zoom at 9 Texas, Utah & Mexico, 16 Portugal and Ireland
