Tag: college

Day 20 of the Gratitude Challenge

There is so much I want to say today. Because I keep these Gratitude posts short, I will save many of the ideas for another day.

The picture attached to this post represents so many things. It is 1 of approximately 1200 photos I took at a college volleyball match yesterday. It is 1 of 40 photos I took trying to capture the image you see. It is, perhaps, one of the best photos I’ve taken. We often fail many many times before we succeed. It’s important to enjoy the journey and be grateful for the chances we get.

Yet, this picture is so much more. The facility, the Sanford Pentagon, which hosted this event is absolutely amazing. The event was the first sporting event I’ve been to since before the pandemic that felt like a sporting event. The atmosphere was electric. For these things I am grateful.

But what truly makes the picture special are the people in it. I cannot find adequate word to express my gratitude for this team. So today, I am grateful for many things but mostly I’m grateful for the students and the athletes at my university.

Day 10 of Gratitude Challenge

I hope you were able to get outside yesterday. It was another beautiful day. Did you notice the many joys nature provides?

Last night, after thinking about nature and all it’s joys, I took time to listen to some music. I don’t sit and listen to music as often as I like. I pulled up an apple music playlist titled ’80s Movie Essentials. Just glancing at the list of songs immediately transported me to earlier time in my life. First, I listened to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship. (Bonus points for those who remember what movie that is from without looking it up!) Then I listened to “Purple Rain” by Prince & the Revolution. If you grew up in the upper Midwest in the ’80s, Prince was everything.

Each song reminded me of different phases of my life (high school and college). I thought about how music and movies permeated so many of my experiences at that age. I thought about friends and acquaintances from that time in my life. Many of these people I have connected with on social media. Some I haven’t seen in years. Sadly, others have passed.

Music is powerful. Good music can permeate and envelop you. Good music triggers emotion. So today, listen to some music and be grateful. If the music reminds you of someone, reach out to that person and let them know you are thinking of them.

If I went to high school or college with you and you are reading this blog, odds are your were in my thoughts last night. I’m grateful you have been a part of this journey we call life.

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