#MondayMotivation - Be specific.
I recently took a pointed approach to accomplishing a task and the task got done in record time. I have a hard time, sometimes, focusing on tasks and getting things done quickly or early. So, I took a pointed and specific approach to this task to try something new. I laid out what needed to be done, didn’t try to do any other work, and removed distractions by going in on a day off and I got that damn task done!
I need to approach all tasks - in work and life - like this more often. It’s hard to shut out the noise to get stuff done, but it really does make it so much easier. I tried taking this approach with my meal prep, and it mostly worked, but I did end up getting overwhelmed and distracted which extended the overall time it took to get everything done.
I’ve noticed when I’m pointed, or just more specific, with my motivation or intentions, things happen more smoothly for me. I think this ties in nicely with a more mindful life overall, and that’s been the ultimate goal for me.
What helps you accomplish tasks or projects? I’m always open to ideas.
Tuesday Truths - New Year, No way.
Here are my hot takes for the first Tuesday Truths of 2025! Watch the video for full explanations, haha! What are your truths this week?
Sleeping in is a waste of time.
Snow covered ground is superior lighting to sunny, summer days.
Nespresso is overrated.
Minimalism is not the only way to live.
Consumerism is a disease and we all suffer from it to some degree.
#MondayMotivation - Adjust and go on.
Good morning, afternoon, or whatever it is when you read this. Thanks for reading it, and thanks for existing. Sometimes we have to just push through. Adjust, keep going, and keep pushing through. Not everything goes to plan, and some days you just don’t have the energy to deal with it so you’ll deal with it another day. I leave room for these feelings when I resolve to do something, and am getting better at adjusting when I just need to put my head down and push through. I used to have a hard time adjusting, and now, I just don’t have a choice most of the time. Life happens with or without you.
I don’t have much else to say, so enjoy a photo of my neighborhood from Saturday night when I left to get my groceries. I’m writing this on Sunday and I’m exhausted and NOT ready for the week ahead, but here we are. Keep pushing, keep going, and keep trying. You are loved.
#SundayScaries - What’s in and out for 2025?
I did a little video for the things I’m call in “in” and “out” for 2025. Here’s the list, but you should watch the video because I’m so cute. Thanks.
Outs:
Patreon
Excuses
Putting away Christmas trees
Talking on the phone while driving
Immediate responses
Nespresso
Ins:
More outdoor time
Grind and brew coffee
Daily journaling
Daily blood pressure readings
Saving money
#MondayMotivation - New Year, New You.
Tis the season for resolutions. If you’re making them, good for you. If you’re not, also good for you. I have a few plans that I’ve been working to implement the past few months that I’ll call partial resolutions, but mostly I’m just getting my shit together and carrying it over into 2025. Here are the things I’ve been working on that I will carry over into the new year:
Walking with Chewy daily - we always did little walks, but we’re pushing for more mileage. In 2025, I will make sure we hit a mile daily, weather be damned. A mile may not seem like much, but Chewy is older now and it’s about all he’s interested in doing. For me, I will go further.
52 Hikes With Mike is BACK! I will be hiking 52, or more, times in 2025. I have been organizing trails nearby, figuring out plans, and working on new places to see in the process.
Losing 100 lbs - this may not happen in 2025, but I have been on a plan for the past 40 days and it’s at least prevented me from gaining any additional weight since my November doctor visit. I’d like to continue on a downward trend and improve my blood pressure, mental health, and overall feeling about my health.
At-home strength training - I worked hard to be stronger before, and have felt some of that slip away so I want to ensure I maintain strength as I shed fat/pounds/whatever. Health! I don’t have time for a gym the way I used to with my commute, working in-office again, and my dog being at home. So, I’ll work to introduce body weight exercises and maybe eventually find a way to carve out time for a gym if I get work from home days or feel like giving up the few hours I’m awake and not at work.
The Year Of Less! I will be spending less money by buying less useless shit, random amazon orders (I canceled Prime), or eating out at terrible places for convenience. My eating out will be purposeful, my adventures will be thoughtful, and my spending will be mindful. It’s all about paying off debt, saving money, and being happy with what I have.
If you’re making goals, make sure they really fit what you want if you actually want to achieve them. Personally, I have a habit of making lofty goals and never hitting them because they don’t have a build-up or starting point. I expect myself to dive in and succeed, and I know that isn’t how it works for me most times. I’m making a conscious effort to take little steps to hit those marks I’ve set and then holding space for adjustments if necessary. I hope you have a great New Year’s Eve and Day. I am hopeful for a hike, some snacks, and champagne on my Wednesday off. See ya in 2025!
Sunday Scaries - Random thoughts for your week
Sleep patterns - I’ve started to become one of those people who go to bed when they’re tired, groundbreaking I know. Some nights, I’m tried as early as 7:30 PM and I’m no longer upset about it at all. At first, going to bed early felt like the worst thing in the world. My favorite time of day was night. It was quiet, I could do what I wanted, and I often stayed up very late for no apparent reason. What exactly was I doing? NOTHING. There is a time and place for doing nothing, but forgoing sleep to do nothing seemed really dumb. Since getting my CPAP, I’ve felt more refreshed and I’m sleeping longer than before. I am still an early riser, because of work, hitting the trail early, and my body’s natural rhythm, so I needed to go to bed earlier than ever before to ensure I was getting enough rest. I’m up between 4:30-5:00 AM every day, sometimes 5-7:00 AM on days off. I love the morning, and I’d rather have my quiet “nothing” time during that time of day than not getting enough sleep. Going to bed early means my west coast friends and I don’t text or call as often, in fact they are sometimes still awake when I get up at 4:30 and we chat then. It means most people who want to chat after 7-8:00 PM eastern time are shit out of luck. I say that with love, but honestly, I’m working hard to be mindful of sleep and my phone does go into “do not disturb” so I can drift away from reality and into a dreamland.
Being less available - When it comes to work, I’m available during my workday anytime. Need help? Sure thing. When I’m home, I’m usually caught up in chores or doing whatever around the house and it can take me a minute. I’m not a surgeon or out here saving lives, so an immediate response is not necessary. I took this model and moved it to people. Not everyone gets an immediate response. I may read your message, but I may want to think a little on how I’ll respond. Maybe, just maybe, I’m not in the mood to talk or text, please don’t take offense. Before cell phones, we were tethered to landlines when we wanted to use the phone. Those calls often felt a little more purposeful and I’d like to balance the urgency mixed with the ways of the past for better balance. Sometimes, I’m in the mood for nonsense and rapid fire texts and meme sharing. Other times, I don’t even want to look at my phone. Both are valid.
Surrendering to things to overcome them - You know those sayings like “ugh, I’m turning into my father” or “I’ve become one of those people” right? Well, I’m just giving in to those things. I’m starting to acknowledge my traits that came from the people who raised me, good or bad, and I’m starting to realize the type of “person” I’m becoming. I’m a “falls asleep on the couch at 7:30 PM and just says I’m resting my eyes” person now and that’s okay. I’m a “do a puzzle all weekend” kind of person now or a “build a LEGO set instead of interacting with people” person. I’m a disappear for the weekend person. I’m surrendering to going to bed earlier and enjoying my mornings. I’m giving in to my desire to be alone, and being okay with doing things alone if that’s how it’s going to go.
Using my phone less and being okay with it - Going to bed earlier has led to using my phone less. Commuting means I’m using my phone less for things other than media, which is kind of nice. I don’t mind the occasional phone call while I’m driving, but I usually just like to unwind in the car these days. My job is actually very busy, which is great, because the time passes quickly and I don’t use my phone that much. I used to take my phone everywhere with me, but now it stays on my desk and rarely leaves unless I’m out doing inspections and need it just in case. I’m utilizing “focus” and “do not disturb” modes to help keep me in check. I get caught up in socials or reading things on my phone or having conversations. Social media is almost grating on my eyes now due to all of the advertisements, so my usage is down quite a bit and is different than it used to be. I know that I can be addicted to my phone, so these steps are good for my brain and necessary to use it less. When I take a call or respond to texts, I want it to mean something. I want to be excited to talk to you.
Thankful Thursday - Dec 26th
This week I’m thankful for a lot!
Visits to friends who are family - I had the pleasure of visiting people I’ve known for over 20 years at this point for Xmas. We had good food, good laughs, and just general good times. It was truly nice to catch up and it’s so exciting that I’m only a few hours away now.
Two extra days off - Having the extra day off really allowed for the quick trip to see people but also gave me an afternoon to chill the hell out and just exist. No chores, no texts back, no emails… just being alive with my dog on the couch, watching a few movies and eating my dinner.
Food tracking apps - I’m on a journey to keep muscle, build more of it, and drop some fat. It starts with tracking what I eat. Even on the days where I eat, or in this case, drink way more than usual, I tracked. Knowing my habits helps me understand myself a little more.
The bestest boy - Chewy bo-booey did such a good drive driving to metro Detroit on Xmas. He didn’t complain and mostly just chilled out the whole way up and back. We did have a standoff to get in the car, but he eventually did. Poor guy just doesn’t want to travel anymore, but once he was there he loved all of the attention. Same, dog, same.
Hot showers - So grateful for hot water and nice warm showers in the morning or after a long drive. Now, if Santa wants to bring me a hot tub, I’d be all set.
#MondayMotivation - Happy Holidays!
I was going to write some little blurb that was all happy and full of shit but you know me, I can’t do that.
The holiday doesn’t matter, it’s the people with whom you spend the day that matter. Years of retail and living states away from the majority of family have taught me that the day in which you get together doesn’t matter at all. We would get together in the summer to celebrate - even if it was just grilling and drinking. We’d celebrate Christmas in January. It does not matter.
This year, with a new job, I didn’t really want to take the week off and probably couldn’t this late in the game. By the sounds of it, I will have to petition for the week off very early as everyone and their brother doesn’t take enough vacation and waits until December. Rude, but okay. This week I will work my normal days, with the 24/25th off. That’s fine. I will see my family when I see them, and it’ll be okay. Next year, I’m hopeful everyone will come here in November so we can celebrate together.
This part is more me, telling myself, that everything is okay.
I’ve struggled, for years, with the idea that I’m an imposition to people. I was invited somewhere, with people who are like family, for Xmas Eve/Day. I was watching in real time, an out of body experience, as I tried to keep coming up with excuses as to why I shouldn’t go and that I didn’t want to impose. I was invited, more than once, and it is not an imposition. For years and years I’ve felt this way with anyone inviting me out to do things - it’s a pity invite or a second thought. I would assume the worst, instead of just accepting I was wanted. It has been a wild ride to unlearn this bullshit way of thinking, but I’m pushing through with only minor self-sabotage moments on occasion.
If you were invited, it is more than likely that you were wanted there. Period. Full stop. Enjoy the holiday season. Happy Solstice and Happy New Year!
#ForestFriday - Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave was super cool and the tour, while short, was impressive. I’d like to go back and see more, eventually, because it looks like there are tons of above land trails. If it hadn’t been so bitter cold, I may have explored a bit more. Such is life. Enjoy photos from the walk down into the main cave entrance.
Thankful Thursday - Dec 19th
I’m thankful for the next two weeks being SHORT WORK WEEKS! I’m always grateful for the people in my life, unless otherwise stated. HA! Tell me, what are you thankful for this week?
Poetry books - I started going through my books and found a few nature poetry books to read. I want to write more, as I used to, and maybe even share some of them with the world? Who knows. Anyway, I’m grateful for peaceful words and relaxing thoughts from these books and the idea of these beautiful places.
People on vacation - work is challenging without people being here to show me the way, but I think them being gone will force a little self-reliance and I’m thankful for that. I’m trying really hard to leave the stress of this job at work, and I think it’s going well. The drive to and from really helps with my headspace. The 8pm emails on my phone, that’s another story…
Coffee - Freshly ground coffee will always be superior to any pre-ground or Nespresso bullshit in my mind and I’m grateful for freshly ground and brewed coffee every morning. I bring it up because I’m back to my grind and brew lifestyle as I phase out Nespresso.
King size bed - I’m thankful for this every week, but specifically this week as I am so sore and achy coming back from the stomach bug and not sleeping enough. I am starfishing and hogging the covers and I have plenty of space to do so.
Google home - Having my holiday lights and outside lights automated is so freakin’ cool and nice.
Alone time - With being sick and continuously settling into the house, I’m thankful to be alone. I’m grateful for the quiet moments, being able to blast music over the Google home speakers, and for allowing my crazy organization to happen which usually means everything’s a hot mess for a few days/weeks. I’ve really learned to love being alone.
#MondayMotivation - Plan that trip
As I plan for a “year of less,” I am still planning trips. Just because I’m spending less money and getting rid of stuff that doesn’t hold any value to me doesn’t mean I will not be adventuring. The focus of this exercise is to be more conscious about purchases whether that be for material goods or experiences on a trip.
I have never been to Yosemite, Great Sand Dunes, or Yellowstone. I will try to visit at least ONE of these in 2025 and save the other two for the next year.
I will focus on local travel that is inexpensive and often just a tank of gas and a campsite. This is both a challenge to enjoy the new world around me, but also to appreciate what I’ve been missing out on the east coast.
I will be asking friends in different places if I can crash on their couch or guest room and also ensure that they know they are welcome in my home anytime.
I have no shame - I will be advertising my Venmo and Apple Pay probably on every trip I take for people who can’t join me but want to buy me a coffee or a snack. It never hurts to ask!
I will be tracking flight and hotel prices to see what the average is and I will have alerts for low prices on places I want to visit.
I will be packing my cooler(s) with drinks and food for my local trips to reduce overall costs.
I will not be doing anything I do not like as a means to an end because that is both a cost in time and money.
I will meet up with friends on their adventures if they are doing something I enjoy and it fits within my 2025 budget.
My trips are likely going to be around the east coast and Great Lakes. I want to see so many of the things I never did when I lived in the Midwest. I’m so close, affordably, to so many cool places. I’m getting hyped up about these places, in part, because I’m trying to make peace with my move OUT OF the Pacific Northwest dreamland that I love so much. Dreamy, but damn expensive. If you’re within a day drive of Columbus, OH, and want to adventure, I’m all ears! Have a good week!
Thankful Thursday (12-DEC-2024)
Things I’m thankful for this week:
My own bed: I love a good trip, but I never sleep as good as I do at home. My bedroom has become a sanctuary and hotel or Airbnb beds just can’t compare.
Routine: Boozy treats, sweets, salty snacks, and inconsistent sleeps leave me feeling exhausted and heavy so coming home to my aforementioned bed and normal routine including meal prep and dog walks is just the best.
Twinkle lights: Even on vacation, I had to bring a holiday tree and twinkle lights to set the mood of the season. Being home with my sparkly tree makes life feel even better, though. When I walked through the darkness at Mammoth Cave, I was greeted by a large tree with sparkly white lights that was there for an event. It was a nice surprise.
Audio books: I’ve written about this before, but an audio book can make a long drive even better. I just finished a book called “The Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty which was read by this animated Australian woman. It is a convergence of many stories with a common connection that isn’t realized by the characters for quite a while. I could not stop listening due to the suspense and finished it within a day or two.
Afternoon tea: Earl Grey in the afternoon is one of the best decisions I can make at work. The smell, flavor, and warmth is just lovely.
Funny signs: I love a good sign, and we saw a few in Nashville that were funny (see below)
#WayBackWednesday - Cannon Beach
My go-to beach while living in Portland was Cannon Beach. I would drive out there to find peace, take a friend to see the sights, or just to drive away from the city. While I was in Washington, my go-to beach was Ruby Beach out on the Olympic Peninsula. No matter where I live, I find the water. Where do you go to find the water?
Enjoy some photos from the various trips to the ocean I took during the short time I lived in Portland.
#MondayMotivation - Tried and true
Sometimes, just sometimes, the old stuff will work best. I’ve been going through items I have from my Gramma and this old stuff just works. I have her KitchenAid stand mixer from 1993 and that thing is a champ. I have the pots and pans from then, too, and they’re a little worn but still cooking like crazy. My grandparents invested in good stuff and it lasted. It has endured, and now I’m using it regularly and that’s amazing.
The nostalgia I feel when using a dish or piece of Le Creuset from their house is intensely warm and fuzzy. I’ve been clinging to these happy memories and the items I do have associated with them more now because it’s that time of year when many of the memories were made. I’ll eat off of similar plates and make things that warm my belly and my brain and be transported back to the good ole days.
I think I get why people say “they just don’t make them like they used to” when they refer to goods or cars. Stuff just isn’t the same, and it’s not always better just because it’s newer. I would say this goes beyond stuff and can also apply to other things I may have scoffed at in the past. I love an efficient method, but sometimes that means spending more time at first so you don’t have to spend more time later on whatever it is to be done.
Some people don’t remember the dishes they had dinner on or the pots and pans that dinner was cooked in, and that’s okay. I remember those things and want to create my own home and style for them, but scatter in pieces of the past that work. As I build my home, settle in, and hopefully end this nomadic period of life, I hope to be the one providing memories and passing stuff down and over to other family and friends.
I’m thinking so much about this right now because I bought a new coffee maker. For years, probably five plus, I had a grind-and-brew situation going on. I’d program it at night, and fill it with water and beans, then wake up to grinding noises and fresh coffee. Since the end of 2021, I haven’t had this machine. It was replaced when I moved in with someone and their idea of what was good for coffee. That method (A Nespresso machine) is no longer working for me, so I’ve moved back to something that did work for me and I have a new version of my old grind-and-brew. It’s funny how the old stuff just works the way we want.
#ThankfulThursday (5-DEC-2024)
Things I’m Thankful for this week:
National Parks - this week I will have visited my 26th named national park and with friends, nonetheless
Live Music - so grateful to get to go see my favorite artists tomorrow. I get to see two of my favorite artists/band that fill me with so much emotion.
Road Trips - As much as driving is more tiring as I age, I’m still so excited to see things all over the place. This week I’ve driven a thousand miles for work and pleasure; there’s nothing like the open road.
Solo Travel - Being alone with my thoughts can be a double-edged sword, but I’d say it’s mostly a positive experience. I love rolling around, stopping when I want and seeing things as they come. Solo for me also means no dog, so no need to stop as often! I’ve been so overwhelmed with the mundane shit taks of everyday life. I’m sick of the cleaning, the cooking, the working, the decorating, the making the bed, the cleaning the bathrooms… I’m glad to have the alone time in the car this week.
Quiet Time - My favorite time is time alone when it’s quiet or with another when it’s quiet. I have plenty of this when I wake up before others or drive alone sometimes. This week, it’s been healing after dealing with people all over the place.
Snacks - Before “boy dinner and girl dinner” was so funny on TikTok, I was doing it on the regular. Snacks are essential and can be a meal. Snacks on a road trip are a step above essential, if that’s even possible.
I’m thankful for this life, no matter how fucked it’s been by my own hands and others. No matter what happens, it’s about finding the little moments that keep us going. Nothing is that serious, unless it is, don’t let me diminish your feelings by simplifying my own. Have a good week!
#WaterfallWednesday - Michigan Winter Waterfalls
Tahquamenon, like phenomenon, is one of my favorite waterfalls in Michigan. It’s a gorgeous state park, river, and waterfall system and I’ve visited in many seasons. My favorite season to visit has been winter, and I’m going to share a few photos from a 2015 winter visit. I hope to make it up there this winter, now that I’m so close, relatively speaking.
Here’s a post I wrote about the 2015 visit: 2015 Visit
Nothing like a waterfall, brown from tannins, raging through the winter weather! I’ve included a couple of photos from Sable Falls and Qcqueoc Falls as well. Enjoy!
Tuesday Truths - December Edition
Hot takes for the best month… Just as Lake Superior is the superior Great Lake:
December is the best month, without question
Winter is the best season
If you’re a meat eater, ham is better than turkey
Cranberry is the superior berry (though, through some research I’ve learned it’s not an actual berry so I’m going with Blueberry or the similar ones as the superior)
Twinkly lights are better than overhead lights or lamps
New Years is the superior fourth quarter holiday but…
My birthday is superior to all other holidays
Snow is THE superior form of precipitation
Spruce trees are the sturdiest real trees you’ll get for decorating
Happy Holidays is a superior greeting and I’ll fight you on that
#MondayMotivation - Chaos, organized.
I have been working in therapy to relinquish control of the things beyond my circle of concern. Can I control the thing? Can I control how I react to the thing? What is the benefit of worrying about that thing? When things get chaotic, I have to stop and think about what I can control and what reactions are necessary. When things are chaotic, I do a lot better now.
This week is going to be a little bit much, but the payoff will be worth it in the end. It will start with a busy work day, after a long weekend of work issues, and move into a work trip and then a personal trip. I have to drive to northern North Carolina Tuesday afternoon and then to Louisville on Wednesday night and then Nashville on Thursday. My reward is that I get to park my car on Thursday at our Airbnb for my birthday weekend celebration. This chaos stressed me out for 15 minutes, max. I organized my thoughts, made some plans and backup plans, and now I can’t wait for it all to unfold.
When they say controlled chaos, this is what I think it means. Pick and choose what’s important and prioritize the actual issues instead of the ones you have no control over. Deep breaths, this will be okay. I hope you have a good week and can reduce your stressors if you have any.
Sunday Scaries - December First
Things I’m excited about this week:
Solo road trips - I love listening to podcasts and books and my car is a dream for road trips. (The seats could be a little comfier, but overall a dream) I’m pumped to listen to a new book in the 20+ hours of driving I have this week! I’ll have my snacks, my tunes and entertainment, and plenty of new roads to see!
Mammoth Caves National Park - This one time in 2021, I got an email from Mammoth Caves and Allegiant airlines because some other Michael Nowak entered his info incorrectly. He was going to Mammoth Caves. Now, I’m going there. Cool story, I know. I’m excited to go do the tour, because I don’t think I’ve explored any bit of Kentucky since I was a kid.
Having lunch with Megan - I’m going to be passing within an hour or so of my chosen little sister and we just have meet for lunch! We’ve picked out a place, and if time allows, it’s going to happen. Being within 6-8 hours of her will be much better than a whole country.
Seeing my friends - Spending a long weekend in Nashville with my friends will be a hoot! Turning 40 means I’m looking forward to lots of snacks, board games, and some going-out but too much.
Exploring Nashville - I’ve only ever passed through on the freeway or been to the airport. I’m excited to go see all the music related sights, look at rich people’s holiday lights, and hopefully find some cute local businesses (breweries, distilleries, coffee shops, stationary places, etc.) to support.
Jell-O shots - I may be turning 40, but I’m still making Jell-O shots for the occasion. Not to toot my own horn, but toot-toot bitch. My best friend and I used to make them in college and we were pioneers in flavors and alcohol levels people actually wanted. Sure, they were not made with bottom barrel vodka that was a high proof, but they tasted good and were a good accent to other things.
Welcome to December, the best month of the year. More on that, to come. What are some things you’re looking forward to this week?
30 Days of Thanks - Day 30
Today I’m grateful for this month to be over and for my favorite one to start tomorrow. December is clearly the best month because I was born and it’s the end of the year. It is the month of twinkly lights, sometimes snow, and the end of the calendar year.
December marks the beginning of winter which feels like the transition into the resting season and another symbol for the change we all begin to feel as a new year starts. Winter ushers in snowy trips to my best friend’s cabin, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. With winter comes darkness and that makes those twinkly lights and warm blankets even more special.
My birthday is just before winter, though I’d say winter is definitely my season. I love the winter adventures and finding cool things to do outside. When I lived in Texas, we’d often be seen on the pontoon in winter or I’d be hiking with my aunt at Dinosaur Valley because the weather was PERFECTLY mild. I’m excited to see what winter is like here in Ohio.
I’m thankful for everything December has to offer, what are you thankful for today?