WolfDreamer

Thank you. I decided this evening that it was time. I told her to message him and give him my number. He called this evening, and we talked for about thirty minutes. The only real mention of the past was when he said, "I'm so glad I'm talking to you. It's been so long," and I replied, "I just needed time." He said, "I know you did, son. I think everybody did. I was in a really bad place then, but I'm really happy we're talking now." I really just wanted to talk to him again. He mentioned getting together someday soon, and I know I'm not ready for that yet. I just said, "Well, we can talk about that later. But for now it is good to talk to you." He talked about his current wife, whom he's been with for close to ten years, and about his farm (he has chickens, guineas, turkeys, and quail), about how beautiful it is where he lives (somewhere in KY). Likewise, my father has never been good with reconciliation because he struggles to take responsibility for his own mistakes and often makes excuses (which were usually either exaggerations or flat-out lies). But I need to forgive him, and I need to give him the chance to prove he has changed. Although a part of me remains on guard, that child inside of me who remembers sitting on the front porch, waiting for him to pick me up, and waiting, and waiting, and even the 17-year-old me who looked for him in the audience during my graduation but never found him. But it's not fair to him for me to assume he's the same man he was when I was a kid, just as I'm not the same as I was then. Thanks, buddy. Likewise, feel free to message me anytime.

Something really big is happening. My 15-year old, princess Bianca, asked me through tears if she could contact my father, whom we have not been in contact with for almost a decade. She pleaded with me because he is getting older, and she is worried the next time she sees him will be in a coffin. I was hesitant, but I agreed. Then she pleaded with me to talk to him, as well, insisting that I try to see him again. I don't think I'm ready for that, I told her, but I agreed to think about it and to maybe reach out to him and talk to him some before deciding if I'm ready to see him. If I'm honest, I miss my father. And I have thought about reconciliation for a while. A few years ago I read Donald Miller's excellent book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, and he talked about contacting his estranged father and reconnecting with him. It pinged my heart, but I put it off because the feelings were still raw. I've had family members plead with me to reconnect "before it's too late," but only a few of them fully understood why I had cut contact with my father. I think it's time. The thought of talking to him again both hurts and feels... somewhat freeing. Well wishes and prayers would be appreciated.

Howdy.

Welcome to the Feast Hall! This is the place to share recipe ideas or if you tried an amazing meal and just want to share the experience with your fellow Adventurers, post about it here!

Welcome to the Adventurers guild. This is what we like to call the trading post. This is the place where Adventurers and guests can gather for general chat and for trading ideas, motivation, music, and stories of your adventures. If you're new to the Adventurers or here as a guest, welcome to our guild and please introduce yourself. The guild leaders are myself, @Sylvaa, and @Teros, so please feel free to message one of us if you have questions about the guild and the forum.

As some of you recall, a little more than two years ago (wow, it doesn't seem that long ago) I created a challenge inspired by the James Cameron movie Avatar. This morning, I took my dogs on a barefoot walk in the morning rain and decided it was time to reboot this challenge. I'm going to modify it to include some of my recent goals and exclude goals that are either no longer relevant (can't visit grandfather b/c he passed away) or have become habits and no longer need to be considered "goals" (such as early wakeup). But I am keeping the same theme structure with a strong focus on primal fitness and nature, and of course there will be a lot of Avatar-related greatness and lots of other wild awesomeness to enjoy. If you weren't around the last time I completed this challenge, zola‘u nìprrte’. I am glad you're here. Connect With Environment: The Na'vi are deeply connected to the natural world around them, and they take care of it. When completing each of these challenges, engage all of your senses and stay mindful of the impact nature has on your body and your spirit. At least 30 minutes outdoors/day in a natural setting Go barefoot at least 30 minutes/day; wear minimalist shoes when necessary. Explore an unfamiliar outdoor area, or explore a familiar one as if seeing it for the first time. At least one wild swim/week At least one tree climb/week Give at least 5 minutes/day of your attention to a lifeform other than human (pets, wildlife, plants, etc.). Download Joulebug and complete at least one challenge/day. Do a litter cleanup in a natural area at least once/week. Avoid using plastics of any kind (unless impossible). 1 hike or trail run/week Connect With Food: The Na'vi are omnivorous hunter-gatherers with a deep connection to the available provisions that surrounded them, both meat and plant. When completing these challenges, savor each bite, eat mindfully and pay close attention to how this affects your body and spirit. Eat full vegetarian at least one day/week (Meatless Mondays) Eat at least 1 vegetable/day Eat fresh meat instead of processed/boxed/canned meat at least 3 days/week; this includes fish (BONUS: game meat when possible). Forage at least once/week (dandelion, plantains, onion, etc.) Intermittent fasting Eat locally at least once/week (Farmer's market?) and seasonally when possible Connect With Body: The Na'vi need their body to be in top shape in order to survive such a harsh environment. When completing this challenge, use a variety of "wild fitness"/primal/paleo natural movements and be mindful of how this impacts your body and spirit. Wim Hof Method breathing and cold showers daily Morning movements and stretches daily At least 5 minutes deep squat/day Drink at least 1/2 gallon of water/day. Balance at least 10 yards on a narrow surface 3 days/week Dead hang for at least 30 seconds 3 days/week. Push-up progression daily At least 2 minutes of planking/day at least 3 days/week. Ride the direhorse (bike) at least 3 times/week. Follow the Primal Blueprint Exercise Plan; below is the simplified version: Monday – Sprint Tuesday – Lift Heavy Things/Bodyweight Exercises Wednesday – Move Slowly, Play or Rest Thursday – HIIT/WOW Friday – Move Slowly, Play or Rest Saturday – Lift Heavy Things/Bodyweight Exercises Sunday – Move Slowly, Play or Rest  Connect With Tribe: The Na'vi have a deep connection with members of their tribe, especially family but also tribal elders and leaders. For this challenge, be mindful of your relationships and how you strengthen them. Spend every afternoon with your daughters ('ite); at least one technology-free playtime/week. Use intimate physical touch with tribal members (for family: hugs, kisses, holding hands, snuggling; handshakes/hugs for friends). At least one uninterrupted/technology free evening with wife (muntxate) Call/visit your mother (sa'nok). Continue to help and spend time with your mentor Connect With Self: In spite of living in a savage environment, the Na'vi are very self-aware and practice a disciplined self-control and humble appreciation of all life, including their own. Become toruk makto: tame the beast and take control of your temper by pausing and being mindful of your emotions. Seek wisdom: read works written by great tribal leaders and elders who have come before you. Choose your words: be mindful of when to speak and when to be silent; don't waste words, but choose them wisely. Be grateful: keep a log each day of things for which you are grateful. Connect With Eywa (God): The Na'vi believe in and commune with a being greater than themselves. This is the essence of their culture and it drives their actions and lifestyle. While completing these challenges, be mindful of where your heart and spirit rest on these issues. Greet each morning with a grateful smile and a spoken "Thank you." Pray/meditate in silence at least 10 minutes/day. Read/listen to a devotional/contemplative prayer daily Integrate prayer throughout the day. Treat each person you meet as spiritually connected and as image-bearers of God; treat all lifeforms as God's creation. Practice agape love (unconditional love). Bonus Challenges: Learn Na'vi language. Spend at least one night outside (in a hammock, if possible). Take a long hike deep into the woods (off trail, if possible). Harvest spring water. The Hallelujah Mountains: Go rock climbing (freestyle).