EDITOR’S NOTE: We are thrilled to announce the return of writer Dave Markwell and his beloved column “Feel Good Friday“ to The Normandy Park Blog. Dave’s thoughtful, heartfelt, and often humorous reflections on life have been a cornerstone of local storytelling, offering readers a weekly dose of positivity and connection. His ability to capture the small yet meaningful moments in life resonates with so many, and we’re excited to bring his unique voice back to your Fridays. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, “Feel Good Friday” is sure to brighten your day and leave you with a smile. Welcome back, Dave—we’ve missed you!

By Dave Markwell

“Be present. Make love. Make tea. Avoid small talk. Embrace conversation. Buy a plant, water it. Make your bed. Make some one else’s bed. Have a smart mouth and quick wit. Run. Make art. Create. Swim in the ocean. Swim in the rain. Take chances. Ask questions. Make mistakes. Learn. Know your worth. Love fiercely. Forgive quickly. Let go of what doesn’t make you happy. Grow.”

– Paulo Coelho

These are wise recommendations, and useful aspirations. We do some of these things,
sometimes. Keeping them a little bit closer to the surface of us, with some intention, sets us up from pretty good things. And this is nice.

Sitting in my yellow chair on the final night of a peculiar year, I look back and look forward. This time last year I was probably laying on a couch at my mom’s house as the year ended. She was sick and wouldn’t last much longer. I didn’t know these things at the time, but we often don’t know about such things until they show up loudly and in great detail. I recall getting several nice messages from friends and family on this holiday eve. My favorite note was from my daughter who asked if I was going to kiss Grandma at midnight. I could see her ears wiggling with laughter as she delivered her creepy, funny message. I’m not sure it could have been more perfectly timed, and may have been exactly what I needed at the time. It feels like it was.

One long, interesting year later, I’m grateful for it, but looking forward to different days, with some of the same ones sprinkled in. Not much is wrong or busted, but there’s always room for improvement. I like this part. It makes new days more interesting and it keeps us curious. I like that we get to choose these days or these moments in our days. With this in mind, I read my list and add some things and subtract some other things. I pay attention to how it makes me feel, and cultivate my moves appropriately. I know how it’s supposed to feel, so leaning that way just seems smart. My wish is that I’m right about this for me, and for you. We share this big, beautiful world so full of sweet things. My hope is that we fill our baskets with them, and we’re brave, and we smile as we pass each other on our journeys, and know we’re doing ok.

I’d be happy with this.

Photo credit: Robin Malmanger

Dave Markwell is a life-long Des Moines liver and lover. Former owner of Waterland CrossFit and the Waterland Arcade, Dave uses his unique story-telling voice to help small businesses tell a better story, and his love for people to help folks live bigger and better lives.

For more info, check out his website: wordsbydave.net.