These last two weeks – even more so than usual – I’ve been feeling grateful. I just took a trip of a lifetime to Norway, circumnavigating Svalbard by ship while seeing wildlife in their own beautiful habitat. I was able to take a week off of work which I rarely do – completely offline from my business. The second week I was able to work a flexible schedule so I could still enjoy vacation while staying on top of client needs.

…And I just couldn’t help but to feel so grateful.

One of the presentations from our expedition team included this quote from Roald Amundsen, the famed polar explorer, “Victory awaits him who has everything in order — luck, people call it.”

I feel this deeply. We have worked hard. Nothing has been handed to us. But we also have been fortunate to have some exceptional circumstances, by the grace of God. Luck isn’t enough, and alas, probably hard work alone isn’t enough either.

Lately I’ve been reminded how blessed I am to have this life that I’ve created. I do not take it for granted. In my 38 years thus far, I have by all accounts lived well. I do not say easily, because often that it was not. But I have filled the pages and chapters with beautiful memories and adventures that could carry me on for another lifetime to come.

…And for that, I am so very grateful.