Simple thoughts on Thankfulness from a Dad who never thought he'd be one

It's a week to focus on what we're grateful for, not a week to ignore peoples' words and actions. Choose how you guard your peace carefully...

I don’t know about you, but I had a pretty good week and I was finally able to break my cycle of doomsday thoughts. Distractions like Thanksgiving celebrations at school, chaperoning a cool field trip and working on things that make me happy really got me out of my pattern of the last few weeks. It’s not that I’ve given up hope re: America, but I’ve finally just been able to shift my focus into the things I can control right now. Anybody had this struggle?

And it’s funny when I get into a good flow creatively because I'm either posting everything on Instagram for the world to see or I'm silently writing on my blog, but never the two shall meet. Anyone else in that boat of not being able to balance two different types of creativity? I'm all in, but only one at a time.

This week has been such a great week of writing and I've really enjoyed it. Here's everything I published this week on my sites. I’ve been busy and loving it!

On 2TravelDads.com:

• Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona

• Casa Grande National Monument, Arizona

• Wupatki National Monument, Arizona

• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona

• Toozigut National Monument, Arizona

On MyAlohaTrip.com:

• Hanalei Bay, Kauai

• Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, Big Island

• Barking Sands, Kauai

• Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, Big Island

• Glass Beach, Kauai

• Kawa'a Luau, Oahu

• Helicopter Tours on Kauai

• Eka Canoe Manta Rays, Big Island

• Buddha's Cup Coffee Farm, Big Island

On MyAlaskaTrip.com:

• McKinley Chalets, Denali

• Alaska Glacier Lodge, Palmer

• Copper Whale Inn, Anchorage

• Hilton Anchorage, Anchorage

I can’t wait to see what all of our websites are like by the end of the year. Enjoying the work makes it so much easier and WAY BETTER quality. I love it!

What I’m Thankful For (sassiness after this)

I love sharing about our family for many reasons, but one thing I love getting to share is just why I am so thankful for my family. As a kid and as a young adult I had no idea what sort of future I would have or even if I would have one. Growing into an adult and finding the life that I could live happily and healthily was huge for me, and a part of that was building my own family, starting with friends. From friends came a partner/husband, and then from friends again came the opportunity to become a parent.

I didn’t know I could ever be a dad, so never thought about what sort of life that would be. I’m so thankful that we get to be dads to two amazing kids. I never even dared to dream about this life, which makes it 10 million times more amazing to me and something to be deeply thankful for. On top of all that, we get to live in a beautiful place and have incredible adventures with our kids. And I get to do what I love for work. And it’s a sunny day today. And we just saw Wicked… The list just doesn’t end.

Right now as there are people working endlessly to steal joy from others, we get to live in a moment where we are happy, healthy and together. I’m so thankful for that.

Peaceful Thanksgiving Tips (or not)

I bet there are some people who are stressed about Thanksgiving this week and having to see and interact with those they know voted for the convicted felon r*pist criminal person. I know it’s hard to look at somebody that wants to give a person like that power over the lives of those they love and not feel disgust. I know it’s hard to see somebody who cares more about their pocketbook (as they’ve been told) than protecting the rights and lives of millions of people. And you know what, I’ve got nothing to help you look at these folks and not cringe inside or have an outburst. You do you.

What I can tell you is this: you do not have to play nice just so people can have a fine and dandy, shallow gathering with each other. There’s no reason to diminish your feelings, your fear or your disgust over T*ump and his mortifying collection of enablers moving into power. Just because others may be uncomfortable because you stand up for yours or your friends’ and family’s rights doesn’t mean you need to hold your tongue. Sometimes holidays are the best times to give the gift or perspective and hard truth.

And for those who don’t get what I’m talking about and think things will be just fine: If somebody expresses distress over something and you can’t wrap your mind around it in regards to your own world, it is NOT okay to say “You’re over-reacting” or “it’s not that bad.” What that says is “I can’t relate to your life experience so it must not be valid.” And in terms of things NOT being a one-way street, listen to the people who disagree with you and try to understand if they’re coming from a place of mis-information, fear of an “other” or are just spiteful and consciously making the decision to be that way.

The point of it all is to provide some words of encouragement as you hit the road to awkward gatherings. It’s hard to go to bed with yourself when you sat quietly and bit your tongue instead of speaking truth to those you care about.

WICKED: my Thoughts

First of all, I firmly acknowledge that there’s been an unfathomable amount of hype around Wicked and I know some people think that because some things get hyped up they aren’t worth their time. It’s like not wanting to enjoy something so you can seem more punk. Good for you, but here’s the thing: Wicked was everything I hoped it would be and more. Oliver and I saw it in New York this year and it was amazing. Now seeing that same story and music on the big screen, wow.

Elliott asked me if I thought the movie or the stage show was better. I told him they were different. There’s definitely something special about seeing a production live in front of you, especially this one, but there’s also something to be said about getting to see the story unfold with close ups, incredible sets and amazing, all-encompassing sound. I love both ways of experiencing Wicked, but they really are different in great ways. I loved it and cannot wait for the continuation next year.

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I think that's everything. I love weeks like this when I am on a non-stop creative role and it feels like nothing can bring me down. I really do hope that everyone has a peaceful, enjoyable holiday with people they care about… and that we all can wrap the week feeling good about ourselves and the people we choose to have in our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving week to everyone, and I’ll be back to you in December!!!