October’s challenge — or maybe focus or intention are better words — was to try to see a sunrise or sunset as many days as possible (ideally, my goal was 25 in the month).
This challenge was very different from most of my others in that I couldn’t do it on my own schedule — there’s a very specific window of opportunity, and the sun waits for no human!
It has forced me out of my cozy, warm bed many mornings when, for certain, I would have slept longer. It’s also gotten me off the couch after supper — when the couch was absolutely calling my name.
This challenge got me walking to work (I work from home), added more steps to my day, and inspired some lovely evening walks, hand in hand with The Hub.
It encouraged me to explore beyond my own neighbourhood to find new sunrise and sunset spots — and also to appreciate the ones just minutes from home.
As the month went on, I went from listening to podcasts (because that little voice inside me says, “must keep learning!”), to enjoying music, to walking completely free of distraction. (Hello cotton-tailed bunny, good morning birds — I hear you!)
There’s something so magical about walking into daybreak — feeling fortunate and grateful to have another day to work, play, and simply be on this earth.
Equally special is watching the day end, reflecting on the highs and lows, and feeling hopeful about tomorrow.
I know many people who don’t even have to leave home to watch the sunrise or sunset — I’m sure they appreciate it every day, and I sure would too! For the rest of us, it takes a little effort — but what a beautiful payoff.
When’s the last time you watched the sun rise or set?
Would you like to see it again soon (you don't have to see 25 — how about 1)?
How can you make that happen?
This challenge rewarded me daily. It didn’t matter what the weather was like or how much awe I felt that day — it was always special to simply be present for those magical minutes.
The title photo shows one of the sunrises I experienced this month on a deserted beach just five minutes from home — and it was absolutely explosive. Without a doubt, the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen.
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BEGINNER'S MINDSET
I was practicing my Beginner’s Mindset — fortunately with the most patient teacher, Lowry Olafson (check out his music!).
Learning to row a boat is a lot harder than it looks… and definitely harder than rowing at the gym!
Having a beginner’s mindset is such a healthy thing to do — even if I fell off three times, landed flat on my back (better than in the ocean!), and almost crashed into a huge rock. Still, I loved every minute of it.
When was the last time you tried something for the first time?
What did you do?
How did it feel?
On the Nightstand
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals – by Oliver Burkeman
A humbling reminder that our time on Earth — roughly 4,000 weeks if we’re lucky — is finite.
My takeaways...
- Instead of chasing productivity perfection, make peace with limitation and focus on what truly matters.
- Eigenzeit, the “proper time” things need to unfold — reminding us that some processes simply can’t be rushed.
- Hofstadter’s Law (everything takes longer than expected) and the wisdom of “don’t mind what happens”as a path to greater peace.
- there will always be a “last time” for everything — which makes each moment more precious.
- stay on the bus (patience)
- embrace our cosmic insignificance (we ain't that important!)
- make choices that enlarge rather than diminish us (James Hollis).
- where we might be clinging to comfort when growth calls for a bit of discomfort
- cultivate instant generosity, because giving freely may be one of the best uses of our limited time.
In Case You Missed It - more about monthly challenges!
Stephanie Staples
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