Top 7 = Back on the bike, progress not perfection, direction not distance
Jul 03, 2023This week I thought about the graphic below— especially as I recorded a new podcast series (Live By Design, Not Default), which will begin airing Wednesday, AND ran a quick promo on one of the Advance books.
In truth, we often attach our identity to our “location” in life— to our achievements, accolades, awards, the applause we receive…
… but, where we are is nothing more than our current “spot.” And that can always adjust.
💙
Not where you want to be?
Just make a shift.
Sure, we pick the “usual” dates— such as New Year’s to make such changes, but any day works. And, halfway through the year— July 1, which we just eclipsed— is just as good as January 1 or any other day.
✅
That said, here’s the Top 7 for the FINAL WEEK of the FIRST HALF of 2023.
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Fitness = Did the ride, the runs + Salter got in on it…
This week, I got back on my bike.
Straight up, I enjoy getting on the ride and cycling… 20 miles, 30, 50…
I’m able to clear my mind, process a few things, and just enjoy the open space.
The problem is that, well, it takes SO MUCH TIME. Running is quicker than riding (i.e., bang out 7-8 miles in an hour as opposed to the THREE or more it takes to squish in a lengthy ride), AND interval training and weight lifting is more efficient than running (25-40 minutes).
But I still like riding.
🚴♂️
The past season was super-busy, so I haven’t been on the bike in…
… I’m going to say a year. Maybe more.
I changed that this Saturday and went for a long steady roll…
I also ran “all the other days” this week— Sunday through Friday.
(And apparently ran in the same shirt a few days.)
And, I was pleasantly surprised that Salter has been making use of the #GarageFit gym and lifting 10 pounders. He likes to jump on the machine in the back, as well.
You know you're a fitness boss when you wear Crocs in the gym. 😂
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Finance = John Adams did the maintenance on Noah’s bike
Noah’s motorcycle just hit the 300-mile mark, which means time for the “new bike” maintenance-check.
“$350.”
That’s what the guys at the shop said when I called to check on the price. Noah had asked for the repair for his birthday.
I called a friend who’s a top-notch mechanic and LEGIT makes “lawyer money” maintaining and repairing cars.
He came over Sunday (last) to check out the bike, find out what he needed, and then brought the tools back Tuesday. He was thorough. The only thing he forgot, in fact, was an oil funnel which— since we have “old school” Coleman mini-bikes on hand— we own.
Total savings: almost $350.
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Family = Never underestimate a cheese board or this gal
We had a bunch of the kids at the house most of the week. At some point, at the beginning of it all, Emma decided, “We need a cheeseboard.”
By “cheeseboard” she means FAR MORE than just cheese— but, for certain, MULTIPLE kinds of cheese.
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Field = Advance…
This week I recorded a few more podcasts, including a few based on the Advance framework— and living a life by “design instead of default.” I’ll begin airing them Wednesday, for the next five weeks, here on the site.
In addition, we ran the promo on the Advance book + audiobook combo— available at this link for just $5.
And, the events are returning in the near future. We haven’t dialed in the times and location yet, but we have created a webpage with the most up-to-date info AND a waitlist you can join to be “the first to know” when we release the info.
Register here (no charge) to be “in the know.”
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Faith = Looping back to a book, a few year’s “old”
This week, we released the “Hope for the Warrior Family” audiobook — free of charge.
💚
Bob Waldrep, the founder + Executive Director of Crosswinds, and I wrote the book back in 2020– just as the pandemic began. I remember sending files back and forth across email, as we talked through the contents via telephone.
At the time, I knew it was a good tool, but I had NO IDEA how helpful it could be for families seeking to overcome the hurts, pains, and “normal sorting life out” types of concerns associated with military service.
We decided to create the audiobook as we prep to release our documentary, Trauma Comes Home, later in July.
💙
In this book (free to anyone, even though designed for Warrior families), you’ll learn—
✅ How the trauma that affects ONE person in the family actually touches them all
✅ How to understand PTSD and Moral Injury, AS WELL AS practical steps you can take to move forward
✅ Things you should say and should NOT say to a family member dealing with trauma
✅ How to “put your own oxygen mask on first” without being selfish or even self-focused
✅ Three steps to building an effective support system— a support TEAM— for the family, as well as what that team needs to be able to help you do
🔥🔥🔥
The audiobook is absolutely free.
There’s no upsell, no credit card info required…
Nothing.
💚
Here's what I'm asking...
If you're a veteran (or ESPECIALLY have a veteran anywhere in your family, close circle of friends), access the free audiobook.
If the above doesn't apply to you, pass the link to someone who does..
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Friends = Summer fun
Halfway through the year means we’re halfway through summer.
I remember “back in the day” it seemed that summer began mid-May AND we didn’t go back to school until AFTER Labor Day. We had 3+ months of open space AND they were FREE.
This was the first week that “most” of the kids didn’t have a bunch of activities to do at school. So, they were able to meet up with friends, hang out, and enjoy…
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Fun = IDK…
I didn’t actually “schedule” anything FUN this week. Generally, I enjoy work and MUST block time for fun things, or it doesn’t happen.
And then there’s that “blur” that occurs in that I really enjoy riding my bike, running, and doing other things that are more considered “fitness” than just “fun.”
And I don’t think watching “Better Call Saul” during some off-time counts as fun, even though I enjoy that, too!
🤪
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Whatever the case, that’s the highlight reel for the week.
If you’re just now dropping in, each week I look back at the week behind + preview the week ahead— so I don’t miss anything— and look and highlight at least one thing for which I’m grateful in each of the 7 key areas of life…
💙 Fitness
💰Finance
🏠 Family
🛠 Field (work, career)
🙏 Faith
👊 Friends
🎉 Fun
I use the planner I created to mange the grind of each week— available on our website at the link here.
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