A perfect day

I’m very fortunate that, at 33, I know what makes me thrive. Some never figure it out, and just do what they’re told to until it’s too late.

Today’s post is a reminder to myself, and sharing publicly makes it a sort of a commitment — a declaration to the “universe” so to speak, since there isn’t an audience for my writing. Everything in my world seems to align when I make sure I don’t neglect the following.

Time with my wonderful wife

I’m blessed to be so in tune with my partner in life. We are both introverts, though we work together all day long and (mostly) don’t get under each other’s skin. We are in constant flow with each other.

I would say connecting with friends as well, though while my broader community is important, weekly is great. Beth is my best friend and the only friend I really want to see every day (sorry, dudes!)

Commune with the chickens

Chickens are amazing. I think folks tend to forget that they’re big birds (I know I have). They are, and do all the wonderful, hypnotic things birds do, with a lot more personality.

If I can get a solid little moment to meditate with my chooks, it lowers my blood pressure and puts things in perspective. I’m sure it’s similar to the “old man on a park bench” situation. Also, I’ve heard a bit lately about fractals in nature being incredibly therapeutic—we have enough chickens, and they are quite synchronized, that there is definitely some fractal action going on.

Get a little dirty

I want to dig, move some dirt around. If I can get some between my toes, that’s even better. These days, it’s mostly pitchforking compost. If I can be planting or tending to plants, that’s even better, and there will be tons of opportunity for this soon as we begin establishing the forest garden soon.

There is quite a bit of science being revealed about how microorganisms and more in soil are essential for human health. Just yesterday Joel Salatin put up an excellent post talking about a special amino acid in a certain soil microorganism responsible for boosting physical and mental health.

Build something

I want to make things around me a little better every day. Whether it’s constructing a shelf, a chicken coop, an automation with web services, or a new process in one of our businesses, I love tweaking and improving things around me.

Read and write English

I want to read something great, and get better at writing myself, every day.

My dad taught me to read very early, and to this day writers have had the greatest positive influence on my life as a whole.

Read and write code

This is the category I miss more than any other, and the area with the most potential. There is arguably nothing more powerful in the 21st century than understanding how to get machines to do what you want them to do. And, it’s a lot of fun.