Sua Sponte: The Forging of a Modern American Ranger

My son recently completed RASP (Ranger Assessment and Selection Program). This book helped me understand some of what he went through and what is ahead as an Army Ranger.

After reading it I felt more connected to his experience. Many evenings I had to force myself to put it down and go to bed.

Sua Sponte: The Forging of a Modern American Ranger

ICETrekkers Diamond Grip

I enjoyed a great walk this morning in the cold and snow. I was thinking as I walked how thankful I am to have good gear that keeps me comfortable and safe.

One of the things that has helped me for a couple of years is my IceTrekkers. They are great on snow and ice, providing excellent grip without feeling like there is something on the bottom of my shoe.

The specific ones I have are The Diamond Grip. Here is a link if you want to check them out for yourself. I think they are a great investment if you spend time outdoors or even doing something like shoveling snow.

ICETrekkers Diamond Grip 

Walls of My Imagination

I did something Sunday morning that two weeks ago I would have thought impossible. I have never been a runner. In high school we had to run around the 1/4 mile track. That was it for me. I do like to walk for exercise and to push myself I occasionally run for a half-block at the most and dislike it. Well, a week ago I felt the challenge to run farther and ended up running for 13 minutes. I was amazed. In the last week I had two more runs, longer each time. This morning I ran farther than the 5k distance. Went 3.25 miles. I found out I could do more than I thought I was capable of. Who would have thought that I could run? I don't plan on being a runner but I hope to break through more walls of my imagination.

Here is a look at it:
Run to Harvey Park 

The Letters I've Never Sent

I love to put words on paper. I like a good, not necessarily expensive, pen for the job and appropriate paper rounds it out.

Sometimes the words go from my head, through a keyboard and into the digital world.

What is most important is that the words get out and do their job. It may be thanks or encouragement or standing on the soapbox.

I love when something I write helps someone.

But there are a lot of letters I have never sent. Therapy writing.

Many letters burning with anger have been written with no intention of another human reading them. I have made convincing arguments to people who I know would never listen. I have shared pain or passion. And then in the trash they go.

Do you have letters that need to be written? Letters that will let the depths of your heart and soul escape. Letters that are for you and God alone. A letter that is bursting with anger, passion, pain, or even joy.

Write it, read it, tear it up. Freedom.

Philip