The Year Prior and the Year Beyond

Vocal released two challenges prompting us to reflect on the previous year. I entered both. And yet, I feel like I didn’t quite capture everything I feel was significant from 2024. Certainly the broad strokes, but it’s all the smaller but still notable checkboxes that get lost in those broader narratives.

So, to make sure each accomplishment gets its due and to resist my urge to dedicate five paragraphs to each one, let me set them all down on paper. If, for no other reason, to have a record for myself to look back on. And, to keep it concise, allow me to do it rapid-fire:

Accomplishments

• Attended more concerts than ever
• Read more books than the previous year
• Published two books
• Rebuilt my author site from the ground up
• Balanced on one leg for the first time in four years
• Balanced on the other leg for the first time in four years
• Ran for the first time in four years
• Got on the ground for the first time in four years (paving the way for the next two)
• Meditated for the first time ever
• Practiced yoga for the first time ever
• Used moisturizer and facial cleanser for the first time ever
• Shaved my face with a razor blade for the first time ever
• …cut my face with a razor blade for the first time ever
• Ordered out less and cooked far more than the previous year
• Lost weight
• Got my blood pressure under control for the first time ever
• Dealt/am currently dealing with several other health issues I had lived with while focusing on my knees
• Donated to a political campaign for the first time ever
• Bought an index fund for the first time ever
• Went on a date for the first time in four years
• …got my heart broken for the first time in four years
• Went from 3-4 cups of coffee each day to 2 cups

So, at the end of the year, I find myself in similar material circumstances as at the start of 2024. Same job, same apartment, and same friends. Which makes it easy to forget some or all of the less visible ways that I have invested in myself, my health, my center, and my future. In some ways, nothing has changed. In many others, everything has changed.

And I can confidently say I am happier with my life now than I was at the start of this year.

Now, as a couple of those bullets alluded to, it hasn’t been a perfect picture of progress. Not every change has produced optimum results. Or I’ve regressed in other areas. I don’t say that to diminish that heaping list of self-love. Only to ground those who read that and perhaps felt envious or sad at how their own list would compare.

Having read a few other reflections here on Vocal, I am incredibly grateful that I can finish this year with solid progress under my belt. I don’t take that for granted, and I salute all those who have shown incredible resilience and inner strength to weather a much stormier 2024.

So, what does 2025 hold in store? Goals, resolutions, whatever you want to call them: here’s a few I’m working toward.

What am I trying to do next year?

I’m going back to PT

At the start of last year, I walked into the physical therapy practice at 40% knee function. I walked out of there at 80%. Now I’m walking back in at 70%, but far more confident than before.

Why? 1) I’ve already seen PT work, 2) I’m walking in with far better strength, flexibility, and endurance than before (so a much more solid base to start from), and 3) why not? Can’t a guy have faith things will improve without having to justify it?

I’m going to improve my focus

Only five or so years ago, I could go for hours at a time without checking my phone. I could receive a notification without having to instantly check it. It would be good to get back to that place.

Recently, I found myself desperate for distraction and yet, not satisfied with any of the podcasts, audiobooks, or playlists at my fingertips. I couldn’t even bring myself to pick one, but I couldn’t deal with the silence either. Which got me thinking: why? When did silence become a bad thing? Why couldn’t I simply be with myself? Why did I require constant external stimulation?

What is the flood of digital spaces and content doing to us?

A lot larger question than I’m attempting to answer, but I would like to build some distance.

I’ve already started by leaving my phone behind when I go to the gym. I’ll work other unplug opportunities into my day.

Continuing with meditation and yoga will also help/be helped in turn by this goal.

I’m going to continue reading books

Earth shattering, I know.

No, I’m not setting a specific number. Yes, I know that makes accountability harder. But I didn’t set a number this year and it worked out fine. Plus, it supports the focus goal above. Also, it improves my writing by seeing how others have done it.

Speaking of:

I’m going to finish my series

At the end of 2024, I sit with Book 1 published and Book 2 finished and in production. Just one problem: we still need an ending to this story.

A daunting task, but I’ve given myself until December to release Book 3.

Just in time for the holidays 😎

I’m going to sleep more

For any number of reasons, from mental health to physical health to creativity to overall energy for all these other projects.

I’m going to conquer my lactose intolerance

I saw a video where someone said they just devoured skim milk and it worked. Apparently it lasted for at least a year, too.

So why do this?

1) It sounded amusing, 2) I want to see if it actually works, 3) lactose intolerance is not the greatest inconvenience in my life, but who wouldn’t like to improve themselves, and 4) how many other people are going to have that as one of their resolutions?

I’m going to take the stairs 3x a week

That may not sound so daunting. Especially to those who live in multi-story homes.

But I live on the 15th floor, so trust me, it’s a bit more of a challenge.

Better to start now when I can simply step out on my balcony to cool down.

And, hey, there’s another opportunity to unplug. To wear myself out before bedtime. To improve my strength and control for PT. To think on how I want the next chapter of the book to go.

I’d say to read, too, but that seems like tempting fate.

It’s the perfect capstone goal.

Godspeed!