PHOTO-A-DAY CHALLENGE

Exponential Growth

Third Week of August

Our internal peace has the ability to encounter exponential growth in life. ― Purvi Raniga

Day 1

The cedar tree in the cover photo is so green and full of new growth, a breath of fresh air in the summer heat. The glow of the setting sun on the fanned-out seedpod below also touched my soul and filled me with awe. My transition back to in-person work comes with more commute and more work, but I am still taking my daily walks.

Day 2

I knew I was taking a gamble this evening when I went for a walk. Luckily I made it back before it started pouring rain. The color of the sky and the heaviness of the wind made for an interesting experience. The humidity hugged me the whole way.

Day 3

Today I was back to work for the first time since March 12, 2020. My plant didn’t make it on its own but my photo canvases are all in place and ready to be a source of awe throughout my workdays. Interestingly the quote on my desk calendar from that last day of work on March 12th said: Do something today that your future self will thank you for. Like, take a year and a half away from the world to stay at your own house learning and writing? I am grateful for the way I have been able to use this time for exponential personal growth. I will use what I have learned as fuel for the years ahead.

Day 4

My commute to work does not offer the views that I have grown accustomed to during my time working from home. It is not like exploring the State Parks in what would have been my commute time. I grieve for the beauty that could be in these places and I think about the grit it takes for our students to navigate these spaces regularly.

Day 5

Happy birthday to me! I came home to two gorgeous bouquets of flowers. My husband said, yeah, the nice ones are from your work. He had gone out to purchase flowers and did his best to place them in a vase, only to be interrupted by the doorbell — a delivery of what seemed to him a much more beautiful arrangement. I worked a little magic on his and switched the vase (and added water). He was pleased again. He said, Whoopty-Whoo, now they both look nice. The before and after photos are below. I appreciate the thoughtfulness!

Day 6

I am thankful for the beautiful send-off this neighbor’s garden offers each morning and for the growing greeting when I return each evening. I smile each time I drive by these meticulously cared-for flowers.

Day 7

I was running an errand and I saw at least twenty black birds gathering on the side of the parking lot. They were scattered throughout some dead trees. Instead of just glancing and going about my day, I drove over to take a closer look. I saw some interesting interactions that are typical of these smart birds.

I wondered if this is a regular occurrence that I could notice regularly if I paid more attention or if it was a meant-for-me moment. When I came out of the store there was no trace of them, it was meant for me.

I usually prefer lush scenery, but this black and gray scene of the lively birds and the dead trees made me think about the contrasts I was seeing in my own life during this time of transition.

Conclusion

My time staying home and focusing on my own self-growth is over. During this transition back to work I will keep in mind this Richard Riche quote: Consistent incremental development leads to exponential growth. I am back to work in person, life will be different, but I will continue to grow.

Thanks for reading! I hope everyone sees all of the beauty and opportunities for growth in daily life. Stay safe.

Thanks to Dennett for starting this PHOTO-A-DAY challenge. If you want to join, the rules are at the bottom of her story A Week of Unusual. Also, thanks to Sandra Barrett, Anne Bonfert, and others for sharing their pictures and stories!

Also check out: Erika Burkhalter/Eileen Vorbach Collins/Sasha Meyer/Tracy Aston/Lisa Bolin/Juan O. Aguilera/David Wade Chambers/Mia Verita/Susan Alison/LensAfield/Barbara Radisavljevic/Diana Lotti/Barbara Dalton/Kim Zuch/Shruthi Sundaram