#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!

#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!

#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.

#MondayMotivation - Drink your water!

In case no one has checked in on you, how are you doing? Did you drink your water? Did you find something to eat today? Is there anything on your mind you want to share with someone? How’s your dog?

Check on your friends, even the ones who appear to be doing well. It may be serious, it may not be serious, but being checked on will always feel good. We are all going through random shit and sometimes it’s a lot in a moment for some.

Everything could be fine, but hearing from someone always makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Check on that friend today!

That’s it, that’s all… if you need to chat, get in touch with me. Hugs and please keep going.

#MondayMotivation - New Light

I’m sure i’ve spoke to this topic before, but seeing something in a new light can change the perspective one has about that situation, person, place, etc. I was driving yesterday and I had just wrapped up listening to Ina Garten’s memoir which is relevant because it was challenging me to think more critically about what I want and who I want around me as a grow old. The sun was streaming through the remaining leaves in the forest and the light was just magical. I had just made it back to Ohio and found myself on a familiar route - the route I take each day for work. At first, I didn’t really recognize the road other than seeing the sign and knowing where I was and it was because I rarely drive during the light of day down this route.

I didn’t feel any sort of negative way about the road or the commute, but seeing it in a different light made me appreciate it a bit differently. After living in the city and the PNW, I appreciate the quiet of semi-rural and the Midwest. The light changes and so does the perspective. As we’ve transitioned from summer into fall, the physical light has changed and even the way I see the world is changing every day.

My advice: try to see the situation, place, person, or idea in a new light if you are struggling with it right now. Maybe you will gain a new perspective, or maybe it will just confirm what you already know.

#MondayMotivation - Change Something

If you want a different life, make a change. Small changes can lead to big results. I love to complain like anyone else, but I’ve learned I had to actually take charge and make changes if I really wanted things to be different. I know, there are certain things we just like to complain about or can’t change, but there are plenty that can be adjusted with small changes.

I’m talking to myself as much as I’m offering any sort of wisdom to anyone else. I’ve complained about my body or my living situation or any other number of things in this life. What did I do? Small steps that I’ve taken to improve my life include taking a walk in nature, playing Super Mario Bros, cleaning my kitchen regularly, finding a new brewery or restaurant, or rewatching something I really enjoyed once before. I’m always looking for little ways to make life better that do not cost a lot (or anything) and are easy to implement.

Small steps can have a big impact. Changing one meal you eat, skipping that one outing and using the money for something else, putting your phone in do not disturb, or taking a walk at lunch can really add up. Sometimes, just because of life, big changes are required. It can be scary to make big changes, but often times the discomfort will be worth the peace and joy in the end.

I recently had the privilege of watching a friend get their Master’s Degree. The whole experience inspired me and made me realize we can all do hard things. Watching those graduates walk was a little spark that ignited an internal motivation to do the hard things.

Whatever you’re going through and whatever you need to do, I hope you find the courage to do so! I’m here to help, if you ever need an ear or help making a change. I wish you all a good week!

#MondayMotivation - Take Time

I love listening to the river flow on by

Reclaim that time for yourself. Take the week(end), or any other free days, and use it to re-energize yourself. Cancel the plans, don’t make new ones, and do the things you need to do to get your shit right. Yes, I am mostly just speaking about what I did over the weekend and what I’ll be doing this week. I’ve been neglecting my chores, ignoring the books I want to read, and spending money I should be saving for things that would be more fun down the road and it’s time to take a little break and just breathe.

This past weekend I spent time with someone I enjoy, in the woods, and away from the incessant city noise around my apartment. I had a good time walking through the trees and sitting by the river, remembering that those things are things that I love to do on a regular basis. There’s nothing like a river flowing by or wind through tall trees or grasses.

I’m using my experience, of feeling overwhelmed the past few weeks and finally relaxing, to tell you to do the same. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed to the point of shutting down and feeling completely fried. Take the time to sit with your thoughts, do something that helps you relax, or something else that otherwise helps you take care of yourself. You deserve to relax.

What’s the saying? You can’t pour from an empty cup?

Big trees, mountains in the distance, and sunshine filtering through

#MondayMotivation - See Them All

Hello and welcome to another Monday Motivation. I personally hate Monday, but hey, I’m trying to make the best of it by starting work early so I can either take a long lunch or sign off early. I’m also scheming and planning for more adventures. Over the weekend, I visited a state park that felt otherworldly compared to many places I’ve been in Oregon. This little adventure inspired me to strive to see all of the state parks Oregon has to offer, as well as to finish my quest to see all of the National Park Service managed sites in the state.

I’ve compiled a spreadsheet with all of the state parks, natural areas, historic sites, and scenic waysides. When I plan to see a big thing, I’m going to make sure I can work in one of these smaller places too. I feel motivated to see what this state has to offer and to explore the diversity - as it’s not just coastal forests.

I may not have everything unpacked or figured out, but I’m going to start planning adventures because that’s what I do. Planning adventures motivates me to get the rest of my shit together.

I hope you all have a good week - remember, you’re never alone and we’re all floating on this rock together.

I’m going to use this book to help plan my adventures. (He’s one of my favorite Oregon advocates, check him out HERE)

White River Falls State Park - Oregon

Winter Solstice

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I’ve been putting trees up with lights and decorations since I was a child. Growing up, my bedroom often had a second tree and decorations. I love(d) decorating for Christmas. I was never a religious person and I was raised in a “Catholic” home that never attended church or had me confirmed. Christmas, to me, was never about Jesus or religion. Christmas to me was always about the lights, the sparkle (shocking), and the gathering of friends and family. Holidays, Christmas or otherwise, were always about the food and fun.

I used to beg to drive around and look at the lights and dream of doing that to my own house someday. Fast forward to college and I started to buy trees on clearance after Christmas. Year after year, my roommates and I would add to our collection and create a forest of light in our apartments to celebrate winter. As the years went on, my roommates and I started decorating our porches and trees as we moved into places that supported that kind of decor. I love adding lights to the darkness and dreariness of the winter season.

Now, I’m a guy who believes in the changing of the season from autumn to winter as a transition for our mindset. I believe in putting up trees and lights and wreaths to welcome winter and to light the way from the shortest day of the year onward. I take a little from here, a little from there, and enjoy celebrating all people and their cultures/religions. The Solstice is about light for me and that just happens to manifest with mini twinkle lights and big colorful bulbs from November though January.

Whatever you celebrate this winter, may you find peace and joy and get to spend time with people you care about. Stay warm, or cool depending, and have a safe passage into 2024.

#MondayMotivation - Meet People Where They Are

I had been letting feelings get in the way of enjoying life and building relationships. Letting resentment build, letting bitterness win has taken me nowhere. When it’s all said and done, what’s the point of holding on to those feelings? So, with a little encouragement from someone I trust, I pushed through. I started meeting people where they were, forgetting and forgiving any ill feelings I had. Life got better in that I am no longer stressed about the situations.

Maybe someone can’t be what you need them to be, but they’re probably trying. Meet them where they are, make the most of it if you can. I know, that’s not going to apply or work for every situation but if it does, I promise it’ll be worth it.

#MondayMotivation - Anticipation

Waiting for something like an event, a meeting, or a call can be stressful. I’m working to take the stress from the unknown and convert it to excited anticipation. Life is good and stress is bad — it really is that simple. I’ve applied for many jobs and had one interview. I’m being phased out of my current role and I’m working to find that next big job. I’m managing my stress by continuing to submit applications, going for walks, and turning the anticipation into excitement.

Letting excitement build and allowing yourself to live for the moment can be such a positive experience. Life is good, even if it’s in transition. Good things are happening behind the scenes, and I’m excited to see where everything goes. Also, I made a new kitty friend. I hope the week is good to y’all.

New kitty friend

#MondayMotivation - Fear is an illusion

Experiences in our lives shape who we are, or who we become. Some of these experiences lead us to create a mask or facade. If you’re constantly questioning life due to some circumstances that made it feel normal, you may take that mindset into new experiences unknowingly. This could be jobs, relationships, friendships, etc. The fear that creates the facade is an illusion and doesn’t have to be permanent.

I fear rejection because I’ve been rejected. Does that mean I will stop trying? Does it mean I wont apply for that job or go on that date? Absolutely not.

I fear being thought of as being “too much” because I’ve been called “too much” before. Does that mean I need to apologize for being who I am or adding a disclaimer to my feelings? It shouldn’t, but I have. I’m learning that I’m not “too much” and my thoughts, feelings, and ideas are valid.

I’ve spent the past few months coming back to myself, losing the fear of being too much, not enough, or the fear of losing something that really wasn’t meant to be mine anyway. I had a conversation this weekend that helped spark this whole idea that the true me is still there, behind some fear. Allowing life to happen and working to make good things part of that new path is pushing through the fears.

I’m confident, outgoing, fun, friendly, dramatic, kind, and generous. I’m all of those things. It’s enough and never truly too much. Remembering me, adapting to life in current, and continuing to grow is pushing fear out of the way and thriving instead of surviving.

I hope you find ways to thrive this week. Doing the best you can is thriving, not just surviving.

#MondayMotivation - Friends

This week, I’m fueled by friends. I have people coming over Saturday for dinner, so I need to get a bunch of shit done this week. Sometimes, the motivation is just that simple. I don’t want my friends to see my dining room in disarray and the dog hair that needs to be vacuumed, so I’m going to get my ass to work this evening.

Having a set date, with a finite amount of time, really helps me with goals and projects. In general, I do my best work on something when I have a set amount of time. Sometimes, because I hate myself, I will procrastinate and use the pressure of having only one night or something silly to motivate me even further. I do not recommend procrastinating until the last minute, that’s mental illness speaking so don’t listen.

Find your motivation for the week and GO. You’ve got this, or at least you can pretend you do. Happy trails.

#MondayMotivation - Exhausted.

I’m mentally and emotionally exhausted. I’m so done. BUT, as the theme for these go, I need to keep going. You need to keep going. Keep finding the joy in life, find the moments that give you hope, and always think of the possibilities.

Things I’m telling myself:

• Don’t feel defeated

• Don’t give up

• You can take care of yourself

• Some distractions are okay

• I don’t have to talk to anyone if I don’t have the capacity

• It’s okay to be sad

• Joy comes in many forms

• You’ll be okay

• Everything will be okay

• It’s fine, this is fine, it’s all fine

Things bringing me joy

• Windows down, sunroof open, music up, heated seat on, heat on the floor drives

• 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

• Rewatching TV shows and movies I have already watched

• Popcorn

• Brisk mornings

There’s a little humor in this, but also some truths. Stay the course, find your adventure, all that happy horse shit.

#MondayMotivation - Going Back In Time

Ever have a moment or period in time you wish you could erase? Oh, how I wish I could go back and do a few things over and avoid a few other things.  But, here I am, unable to time travel more than a few hours.

Since I can’t go back, I am just moving forward.  The trend for a few of these Monday motivations have been a forward movement, as it’s all I can do.

The world is bigger than a moment or period of time.  The universe is infinite and I’m just one speck. I recently stared through a telescope on Oahu and it made me feel small and insignificant in the best way.  Nothing mattered, in a good way, and these stars burned light years away.  As much as I’d like to go back and redo something, the fact is that it doesn’t matter that much as life goes on.  New stars form, and we continue to spin madly on in the vastness and wonder that is existence.

This may seem a bit existential, but I’m only writing this to convince myself to abide by this mindset. I can keep trying, I can change my trajectory, and so can you if you want.

#MondayMotivation - Find the Beauty

It’s cute until you have to take a cold shower…

If you are struggling, as I was recently, find something beautiful to motivate you. I took off after work and headed to Crater Lake National Park on Friday. Well, I went to a nearby town to stay in a cabin, but still…

When I can’t just take off after work for a 6.5 hour drive, I find it locally. I’ll go look at the art all over Olympia, visit one of the many local city parks, or drive a little bit out of town to a forest or a lookout and take it in. When I can’t leave the house, for whatever reason, I play around on Google Maps to find new places to “eventually” adventure to someday.

You don’t have to spend a lot of (or any) money or time to find something beautiful to give you motivation. Crater Lake had been on my radar for years, and I wasn’t going to live here and NOT visit that place. But for weeks before, I’d just sit on Google Maps updating my “want to visit” tab. Seize the day - in whatever way you can! Have a great week ahead.

100/10 recommend Crater Lake at sunrise

#MondayMotivation - Be the light

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies - if you’re in Olympia, I have plenty to give away

If you have the capacity, be the light for someone who may not be feeling so bright. Not every day/week/month is going to be great, but there are good moments in there somewhere. Share the good, be a light, listen to a friend, whatever you can when you’re feeling that good sort of way.

I read somewhere once that the people who are supportive and reach out sometimes are the ones who really need the help themselves. It’s a good idea to check on those who you may least expect need it - you never know what silent battle someone is going through. A kind thought, a smile, or even small act of kindness can go a LONG way.

A friend recently shared a post on social media that being kind costs ZERO fucking dollars, so give it a shot.

I truly hope you have a great week ahead and as always, I hope this little blurb made you smile.

Enjoy this blurry attempt at a selfie with Seattle in the background on Lake Union in a hot tub boat a little buzzed up (I though tit was perfectly fitting for a post like this - laugh, it’s okay!)

#MondayMotivation - Winding Road

If you want to go forward, you have to keep going. Forward is relative, but movement is not. Sometimes, the path is straightforward and other times it’s meandering. I’d say I’m meandering, but constantly moving forward. You can go down the road, with a destination in mind, and something comes up and makes you curve or turn away for a detour.

Detours don’t have to derail. This is advice I’m telling myself, more than anything. So often, I fall victim to my own bullshit when life throws me a curve. It’s easy to do - for me - and it’s a habit I’m working to break. For example, I stopped to going to the gym when I had covid and now I’m here a couple weeks since and I haven’t gone back. I fell out of routine and I’m struggling to get back into one. We’ve got this, right?

When the road winds, trail curves, or life just gets weird, keep going. You’ve got this. Take a detour, find the scenery, and keep on pushing.

Embrace the detours.

#MondayMotivation - Regain that Control

I feel like I’m out of control. When I say this, I mean I’m just eating whatever I want and not really exercising. I feel like my chores get pushed to the “next available” day and my list of things to do grows longer. I’m trying to take control. I’m going to make some food to help me feel good about what I’m eating and I’m going to walk on the trail nearby during my lunch. I’m going to get back to my gym routine, gradually. COVID really knocked the wind out of me, but I’m trying to stretch these lungs back out.

Additional good things - I have a few doctor appointments this week and some fun weekend plans ahead. Weekend plans ahead means I need to gradually get my shit done this week. I’ve got a plan, with realistic goals, and I am going to push through!

I’m starting this Monday with a clean kitchen, fresh laundry, and some ambition. Good luck to all of you out there. Remember, make your goals achievable for your efforts. If your best means not doing anything, that’s okay some days. Keep finding little bits of joy and make the most of the day.

Don’t let a little fog ruin the whole view - rise above it

Walking the dog is enough some days

#MondayMotivation - Keep trying

Over the weekend, I hiked for the first time in ages. A real hike. A hike with elevation. A hike with thin air. It was my first hike post recent COVID and it was hard to breathe. I was struggling. BUT, I did it. I was with a group of friends who struggled a little too, but we were struggling together.

I felt pretty good after, accomplished and ready to keep going. By Sunday afternoon, I wasn’t even that sore. The struggle for me really was catching my breath and pushing forward. I’m hoping with continued activity, and a little chat with my doc next wee, I’ll be breathing normally again soon.

If you don’t think you can, try. If you don’t want to, just try. If you go and do the thing, but don’t succeed, you tried. Did I hike as well as I would have liked, no. Did I move quickly? Also, no. Did I do the damn thing, despite being worried about breathing? Yes. Did I take measures to accommodate my issues? You bet your ass I did. This goes back to last week - adjust and go forward with a new plan.

Enjoy some photos from the hike that made me feel alive again. (Mount Rainier National Park - Skyline & Golden Gate Trails)