About the photo: Taken with a Kodak Z612 camera while walking on the Boise River Greenbelt in April 2017. Not a fancy camera, but as they say: the best camera is the one you have with you. It’s proof that moments of wonder are everywhere, if we’re willing to notice.

This week’s Motivational Monday photo features two young squirrels peeking out of a weathered birdhouse or nesting box. Curious and alert, they seem ready to leap into the world on their own terms.
The caption on the image is drawn from REO Speedwagon’s lyrics:
“Blazin’ your own trail again”
It’s a simple but powerful message—a call to independence, creativity, and courage.

Like those squirrels peering out from the safety of their home, all of us come to moments when we need to choose between staying put and venturing into the unknown. It might be leaving a job to pursue your passion, launching a new project, or simply committing to think differently about a challenge.

These small animals remind us that readiness doesn’t mean certainty. They don’t know exactly what’s out there. But they’re looking. They’re planning. And soon they’ll be on their own path.
We can learn from them. Blazing your own trail doesn’t mean ignoring advice or tradition—it means daring to adapt it, question it, and make it your own. It means trusting that you can figure things out along the way.

As you start your week, ask yourself:

• Where do you feel stuck in a safe but confining space?
  
• What new path have you been avoiding because it’s unfamiliar?
  
• What would happen if you let your curiosity lead you?
  

I've included the music video for this song. I highly recommend listening to it and really focusing on the incredible lyrics.

Wisdom in Rest
This owl isn’t rushing anywhere. It’s a gentle reminder: ​Rest is productive.

True wisdom knows when to slow down. Pausing isn’t quitting—it’s preparing.

• Reflect before acting
• Recharge for clarity
• Embrace quiet to make better choices

I took this photo during a bike ride on the Boise River Greenbelt—a moment of calm and observation in nature.
This week, take a cue from the owl: Breathe. Rest. Stay wise.

We live in a world overflowing with notifications, to-do lists, endless emails, and competing priorities. Everywhere we look, something or someone is asking for our time and focus. It’s easy to feel like we have to respond to it all...that every alert, request, or problem is urgent and important.

But the truth is simpler (and more liberating): not everything that demands our attention deserves it.

Imagine that long, open road in today’s image, a straight path under a wide blue sky, stretching toward the horizon. It invites us to focus on where we’re going, rather than the noisy distractions that crowd our journey.

When we give our attention to everything, we end up scattered and exhausted. We lose sight of what really matters: our goals, our well-being, our relationships, our purpose.

This Monday, take a moment to reflect:

• What in your life is demanding your attention—but doesn’t really deserve it?
• What do you want to focus on instead?

Your time and energy are limited, precious resources. Use them intentionally. Choose the road that leads you where you want to go.

As we dive into a new week, let’s remember to keep it simple. Just like these beautiful ducks gliding effortlessly on the water, sometimes the best approach is to embrace simplicity.

Take a moment today to focus on what truly matters, and let go of the unnecessary complexities. Here’s to a week filled with clarity and purpose!

Sometimes, it's not the world that needs to change, it's our perspective. This photo captures a quiet moment between two very different birds: one standing still, the other mid-flight. It’s a reminder that how we look at a situation often shapes what we see.

Wayne Dyer’s quote, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change,” invites us to pause and reconsider. A challenge might become an opportunity. A setback might reveal a new path. Whether it’s in nature, work, or our personal lives, perspective is powerful.

As we begin this new week, let’s stay open to seeing things differently. You never know what might change when you do.

In a world that often measures success in productivity and possessions, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet powerful gift our children need most, our time.

This photo captures more than just a peaceful shoreline under a shining sun, it’s a reminder that life’s most meaningful moments aren’t found in packed schedules or material things, but in presence.

So, this Monday, let’s be intentional. Let’s slow down and make time - real, undistracted, time for our children. After all, the best moments in childhood often start with, “Remember when we...”

As the first Monday of June greets us with longer days and fresh momentum, I wanted to share a moment of reflection captured near Sun Valley, Idaho, a place where the beauty of nature effortlessly invites stillness, clarity, and inspiration.

This photo, taken along a winding bike path framed by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks in the distance, is more than just a scenic view. It’s a metaphor for life.

Just like this path, our journey isn't always straight or predictable. It curves, climbs, dips, and surprises us. And yet, those twists and turns are what make the ride worthwhile. Each bend in the road offers a new perspective, a hidden vista, or a quiet reminder to slow down and savor the moment.

Too often, we chase destinations, goals, milestones, outcomes—forgetting that the journey itself holds so much of life’s richness. Whether you’re on a high-speed sprint or taking the scenic route, let this be a gentle nudge to enjoy life’s ride.

As we head into the week, take a deep breath, stay present, and lean into the rhythm of your path, whatever it may look like today.

Today, we pause to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day, a day to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage and sacrifice have helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day.
As families gather for barbecues, parades, and long weekends, it’s important to take a moment to remember those who never made it home. Whether through a quiet visit to a cemetery, a heartfelt conversation, or simply raising a flag, let’s honor their legacy with gratitude and respect.

I turned “someday” into “today” the moment I decided to ride my bike across America in 2017. No special bike or training just the decision to start! Selecting a route, setting small milestones, and leaning on the kindness of strangers along the way. Every challenge taught me that commitment beats inspiration, small wins add up, and rest is part of the journey. Now it’s your turn: pick one dream you’ve been postponing, take one bold step toward it today, and watch how momentum builds.

Photo is when I completed my ride from Florence, Oregon to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. 3,649 Miles.

The smallest shift in our daily habits can spark big changes. Changing your routine, whether it’s waking up earlier, swapping screen time for a walk, or journaling before bed, helps break the autopilot mode and invites intentional living. New routines challenge your brain, boost creativity, and open doors to opportunities you might otherwise overlook.