Memorial Day hits different today. Having just returned from an underway on a couple of our Navy’s most advanced nuclear submarines, I have a renewed gratitude for those who came before; those who sacrificed their lives as we pushed the boundaries of the possible and made nuclear-powered travel in steel tubes underwater a safe endeavor. It is their pioneering spirit and bravery that forged the framework we operate by today. Procedures and quality standards were established and risks have been mitigated to the maximum extent possible. They are the reason we can go to sea, complete our missions, and come home (and perhaps the reason we have homes to return to).

Kayla Barron shared this inspiring post, the sentiment of which I can relate to based on the feelings I had during my recent homecoming. Adventure and a break from your normal is an incredible way to give perspective and make you grateful for the many blessings in your life. What are you grateful for today? What could you do to shift your perspective to increase the gratitude in your life?