Outside the office, doing a little gardening—one of my favorite zen creative moments. It’s a mix of idea time and some heavy work to help me stay focused.
A gentleman walks up wearing a very stylish fedora. My first thought: I wish I could pull off a hat like that.
He says, “Are you Ryan? I was referred to you.” I smiled, wiped my dirty hands on my jeans, and took his business card. We chatted for a bit, and he had a great, cool vibe.
After about ten minutes, I apologized, mentioning that I had to pick up my kids from school. He said, “No problem—family first. I get it.”
We’re going to have coffee soon. I know a great place.
Category: LIfe
The Power of “Yet”
“I don’t know yet, but I will.”
One simple word—yet—holds the key to a growth mindset. It’s the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. When we add “yet” to a sentence, it shifts our perspective from limitation to possibility.
“I haven’t mastered this skill… yet.”
“I haven’t reached my goal… yet.”
With “yet,” we remind ourselves that growth is a process. It’s a powerful affirmation that success isn’t about being there now—it’s about the commitment to get there.
Where Do You Find Your Inspiration for Ideas?
Inspiration can be a tricky thing. Some people find it in the hustle and bustle of a crowded city, while others might find it in the solitude of their own thoughts. For me, it’s a bit different. My ideas tend to spark during my daily walks with my golden retriever, Rose.
There’s something incredibly refreshing about stepping outside, even if it’s just for a short stroll. The rhythmic pace of walking, the sights and sounds of nature, and the joy of seeing Rose explore the world with such enthusiasm—it all blends together to create the perfect environment for inspiration to strike.
I often find that the act of walking helps clear my mind. It’s as if the physical movement allows my thoughts to flow more freely, unencumbered by the usual distractions. Ideas that were previously just out of reach suddenly become clear. Sometimes, it’s a new angle on a project I’m working on, or a fresh topic for a blog post. Other times, it’s a solution to a problem that’s been nagging at me.
Interestingly, I’ve noticed that Rose seems to have an uncanny ability to lead me to these moments of clarity. Maybe it’s the simplicity of her joy—chasing a squirrel, sniffing a new scent, or just enjoying the moment—that reminds me to stay present and open to new ideas.
So, where do you find your inspiration? Is it during your morning coffee, in the pages of a book, or perhaps in a quiet corner of your home? Everyone has their own unique source, and it’s fascinating to hear where others discover their creative spark.
Dealing with Monday Morning Work Anxiety: 3 Tips to Cope
Ah, Monday morning. The start of the workweek often brings a wave of anxiety that can be hard to shake off. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage that dreaded Monday feeling. Here are three tips to help you cope:
- Plan Your Week on Friday morning.
Instead of letting Monday catch you off guard, take some time on Friday morning to plan your week. Create a to-do list, prioritize tasks, and set some achievable goals. Knowing what’s ahead can reduce uncertainty and make Monday morning feel more manageable. Plus, crossing items off your list can be incredibly satisfying! - Establish a Morning Routine You Enjoy
Make Monday mornings something to look forward to by creating a routine that you enjoy. This could be as simple as brewing your favorite coffee (I suggest www.corococoffee.com), taking a brisk walk (with a golden retriever), or spending a few minutes meditating. Having a pleasant routine can ease you into the workday and boost your mood. - Break Down Tasks into Smaller Steps
The thought of tackling a big project first thing on Monday can be overwhelming. Instead, break your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Focus on completing one small task at a time. This approach can help prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and give you a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.
And most importantly, remember life is more than just work and work stress is temporary.
On Writing
Over the past year, I’ve done a lot of writing just for the sake of writing. I’ve blogged, I’ve journaled, I’ve crafted ads. I’ve written my wife and kids cards for big events, mini events, and non-events. When I write a note by hand, I rarely use cursive. When I write a note, I print, mainly to make it legible for the reader. I save cursive for my own private journals. In the past, writing felt like work; now I write for enjoyment, for creativity, for reflection, and much more.
And the title of this post is a nod to my favorite author.
The Power of One Positive: A Morning Walk with Gratitude
This morning, as I strolled alongside my Golden Retriever, Rose, a wave of anxiety washed over me. It crept in unannounced, leaving me feeling unmoored. Unable to pinpoint the source of my unease, I found myself reflecting on a conversation with a friend from 18 months ago.
“Ryan,” he had said, “what I do is just look for one positive thing each day. Just one. It’s so easy to get caught up in the negative, and if you let it consume you, it can be overwhelming. So find the positive.”
His words resonated deeply, and as I continued my walk, I began to consciously search for those small sparks of joy in the ordinary. And there they were, all around me:
- Rose’s goofy grin, her tongue lolling out in pure contentment as she chased a rogue squirrel.
- The sun’s gentle caress, peeking through the branches and casting a warm glow on the shimmering pond.
- The shared laughter over coffee with my wife, the warmth of her hand in mine.
- The quiet moments helping my kids get ready for school, the anticipation of a new day in their eyes.
In that moment, I realized the abundance of positive experiences surrounding me, each one a tiny treasure waiting to be unearthed. It wasn’t about ignoring the challenges or difficulties, but about acknowledging them while simultaneously choosing to focus on the light that shines through the cracks.
This simple practice of seeking out just one positive aspect each day, no matter how small, can be a powerful tool for shifting our perspective and fostering a sense of gratitude. It’s a reminder that even amidst the everyday chaos, there is always beauty and joy to be found, if we only choose to see it.
