Reflection on the Day

Reflection on the Day

Today was cold and snowy. The kind of day that starts slow and feels heavy before you even step outside.

It started with sleep. Then driving around a bit. Spending time with Barbi and Bella. Staying warm. Later we went back out into the snow to run errands and eventually headed to the bowling alley. Tonight was about preparation. Getting ready to leave this week because Bella has Team USA trials coming up.

Practice was tough. The lane conditions were challenging. Not much oil. One of those nights where things do not go the way you want them to.

And that really sums up today.

Today was one of those days where things did not fall into place. Where it is easy to say we should be grateful, and we do our best to be grateful, but sometimes the day still feels dark and gray, just like it did outside while the snow was coming down.

Not every day goes according to plan. Sometimes plans get messed up. Sometimes things are not the way you want them to be. Sometimes you do not feel the way you want to feel. Your body is tired. Your head hurts. Your stomach is off. Things do not go your way.

On days like that, all you can really do is show up and do the best you can.

Like Barbi said today, you try to get a little bit better each day. One percent better. You look at what you are doing right and what you need to keep doing. You also have to look honestly at what you need to stop doing. Maybe it is something you are thinking. Something you are saying. Or the way you are behaving.

Then you ask yourself what you need to start doing. What you need to start focusing on.

It is a constant process. A constant questioning. A constant curiosity about how you can improve and become a better version of yourself.

It is easy to write about this stuff and make it sound like everything is together. But today was not one of those days.

Bella and I did not see eye to eye. We butted heads. And those moments are uncomfortable. But they are real. At the end of it, we looked at each other face to face, eye to eye, and I had to say I am sorry.

I asked Bella for forgiveness for some words I said. I did not mean them, but I could have said things differently.

Those moments matter.

Those are the days that remind you that when you fall down, you get back up. That God has grace for you. That forgiveness is real. And that you have to extend that same grace and forgiveness to yourself.

Today was not perfect. But it was honest. And sometimes, that is enough.