Two Minutes Du Jour

The sun is shining, the snow has melted—at least for now. It’s March in Minnesota, which means winter isn’t quite finished with us yet, but for today, the warmth is welcome. And with it, Duke and I set out on our daily walk, a simple ritual that has become more than just exercise.

Each day, we share a Daily Duke Diary text with our adult children—a snapshot of Duke exploring the world, a lighthearted way to say, “thinking of you” without overstepping or getting overly sentimental. A small touchpoint. A moment of connection. A reminder that no matter what’s happening in life, we’re here.

During tougher times, I’d send a text with something benign—a horoscope, a meme, something funny. It wasn’t about expecting engagement, but about creating an open door. A quiet yet constant presence. It took less than two minutes but carried weight, offering a tiny spark of discovery, comfort, or even just a break in the day.

That’s the heart of Two Minutes Du Jour. A moment to pause. To notice. To connect.

Lately, my own Two Minutes have been poured into two passion projects—our home remodel (a creative, collaborative, and time-consuming adventure) and reviving a recovery event that places family at the heart of healing. As many of you know, this event builds upon a conference I put together from 2016 to 2022, and if all goes as planned, it will return this June. Both projects have been rewarding, but they’ve pulled my time and energy in new directions, leaving TMDJ a little quieter than usual.

And yet, I miss it. I miss you.

In a world of content clutter, I’ve hesitated to add more. But then I remember—you always have a choice to read, skip, or delete. It’s only clutter if it doesn’t serve you.

Which brings me back to today’s Daily Duke Diary. My husband captured the moment, and one of our sons aptly captioned it, Return of the King. It made me smile—and made me think.

Maybe it’s time for my own return.

Because just like Duke, Two Minutes Du Jour is about showing up. Finding joy in the everyday. Taking time to discover something new, even in the smallest of moments.

So here’s to more walks, more wonders, and more time to pause. Two minutes at a time.

Two Links Du Jour:

5 Simple Tips to Transition from Winter to Spring Home Decor Ideas (On a Budget – Robyn’s French Nest

Why You Need Fresh Flowers in Your Home – My 100 Year Old Home