Tag: Home

Day 24

Traveling has always been a passion of mine. There’s something magical about exploring new places and immersing myself in diverse cultures. I find great joy in chatting with locals, and hearing their perspectives is fascinating. Often, they highlight the challenges and downsides of their surroundings, which contrasts my own experience. For me, every destination holds beauty and positivity, waiting to be cherished.

It is ironic that when I describe the places I’ve lived, I often focus on the challenges and downsides. The reality is that there are good things and bad things no matter where you live. There are many good things about where I live and where I grew up.

I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a stunningly beautiful area. The people I grew up with were truly outstanding. My current hometown also has many positive attributes. There are several beautiful parks where residents can walk and enjoy nature. We have excellent restaurants and many good people living here.

Today, take a moment to look around you. Notice the positive things happening, and list three things for which you are grateful.

Day 21 Gratitude Challenge

I often get asked about the pictures I attach to my posts. The most common question is whether I took the picture, followed by inquiries about where and when it was taken.

Most of the pictures I take are from my daily life, vacations, or sporting events. I have loved photography for many years. I was fortunate to have parents who supported this passion and never questioned the costs associated with developing photos. Similarly, when I decided to pursue photography again a few years ago, my spouse was very supportive and even gifted me a camera for Christmas.

I have four different cameras, including my mobile phone. Each camera serves a unique purpose and is used in a specific way. It’s an expensive hobby, but it brings me a great deal of joy.

Hobbies are important because they enrich our lives in various ways, contributing to our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Here are a few key reasons:

  • Stress Relief
  • Personal Growth and Skills Development
  • Social Connections
  • Boosting Mental Health
  • Encouraging Balance

Today, take a moment to appreciate your hobbies and the people who support you in pursuing them.

Day 8 Beautiful Things

The picture I want to share isn’t recent. It was actually taken last year. This church holds a special place in my heart as it is located in my hometown, close to my childhood home. As a kid, I never really stopped to appreciate its beauty. But now, having gotten married there, I believe it to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Day 24 Gratitude Challenge

“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris

Yesterday was a very good day. Both of my sons came home for Thanksgiving. My wife prepared amazing food for all. I took a nice walk with our dog. We watched football and basketball.

Except for the walk, all events took place in our home of 19 years. Our home is so beautiful (almost entirely because of my wife’s decorative skills). Over the last couple of years, we have transformed and modernized our space. Much of this has involved decluttering which is challenging for me. However, the joy I felt yesterday, made it all worth it.

The challenge today is to look around your living space. Notice the things that are beautiful and useful. Additionally, notice the things that are neither – and get rid of those things. Commit to getting rid of two things today. Dispose of two things tomorrow. Repeat until the above quote is a reality.

Be grateful for the beauty around you. I have included a picture of our dining-room table set for Thanksgiving meals. At least four generations have enjoyed meals at this table. I was young when my mother received this table from her mother. Years later, my mother would pass it on to me. I hope you can see the beauty and usefulness of this table – and the joy it has brought to my family for approximately a century.

Day 21 Gratitude Challenge

It’s a busy week but I always have time for gratitude. In today’s environment, it often to find fault with where you live. Perhaps the weather is less than ideal, or the politics, or the economy, or some of the people. Yet we choose to live here. Why? If you look around, there many great things about where you live. My city has nice parks, bike trails, and Sioux Falls. There is wonderful art downtown. We have many very good restaurants with a wide variety of choices for differing tastes. Our airport has nice connections to major airports for the times I want to travel. Sunsets are often stunning. What are you grateful for in your hometown? Make a top 10 list and share it with others.

Day 13 of the Gratitude Challenge

One of the goals of this challenge is to focus on the little things in life that make a difference. I believe that little changes can make a big difference. You don’t need to make one large change to improve your life. Improve a little each day and see what happens.

The photo in this post is from one of my happiest places in the world. It is near where I grew up. Whenever I visit this place, I have a sense of joy and peace. Today, I am grateful for my hometown and where I grew up. I know it wasn’t perfect but it is home. While I miss the Black Hills, I am grateful I was able to grow up in such a nature wonderland. It shaped who I am am and how I view the word. Take time today to think about something you are grateful about from your hometown.