FUTURE

F U T U R E

The word of the year for me is future. It’s more than just a word—it’s my driving force, my inspiration, and my motivation to work toward the goals I’ve set for myself. The future is the only direction that matters now. After years of struggling under the weight of bad advice, false promises, self-sacrifice, and global crises, I have finally chosen to claim a future for myself. This is the first time in over a decade that I am allowing myself to believe in, build, and fight for my own personal future.

By definition, the future is what lies ahead—it’s unwritten, limitless, and shaped by our actions today. But for me, it means something even deeper. For too long, I felt like my future belonged to someone else. I waited, I supported others, I put myself last, and I allowed circumstances beyond my control—like the pandemic, economic downturns, and personal crises—to dictate my life. But not anymore. 2025 is the year I reclaim my agency. It’s the year I overcome the obstacles that have kept me from moving forward, and it’s the year I take concrete steps to build a future where I am free—free from addiction, free from financial hardship, and free to pursue the passions that truly bring me joy.

Every goal I have set this year is directly tied to eliminating the barriers that stand in my way. The biggest hurdles are my addictions—alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. Each of these has held me back in different ways, clouding my mind, draining my energy, and keeping me from becoming the strongest version of myself. That’s why the alcohol ban started the very second 2025 began. Staying sober will clear my thoughts, make me more reliable, and allow me to stay strong in the face of challenges. Reducing and eventually eliminating caffeine will allow my body to function naturally and restore a healthy sleep cycle, something essential for the endurance I need in my future. And nicotine, a habit that has gripped me for over 30 years, will finally be left behind. Freeing myself from these addictions will give me my health, my fitness, and my clarity back—all necessary for the long hours of nature and wildlife photography that I plan to pursue in the future.

But physical health isn’t the only obstacle—I also need to repair the financial damage of past years. That means dedicating myself to consistent, stable work to get out of debt. Only by achieving financial stability can I afford the travel and equipment necessary for my photography. I need the tools of my trade—software, subscriptions, and gear—to turn my passion into a sustainable career. I’ve already taken steps in this direction, securing a great job with a company that aligns with my outdoor photography goals.

Another major goal this year is establishing a solid home base—a place where I can truly be myself, free to create, plan, and live the life I want. Finding a new apartment isn’t just about having a roof over my head; it’s about creating a space where I can build the future I envision. I need a home that supports my independence and my ambitions, a place where I am free to work, rest, and grow without limitations.

Keeping the word future in mind is what will get me through the hardest moments. Addiction is a beast I know well, having battled and overcome illegal substances in the past. I know how my mind will try to convince me to back out, to take the easy road, to give in to temptation. But I also know how powerful it is to hold onto a vision of the future I am working toward. When things get tough, when cravings hit, when doubt creeps in, I will remind myself why I am doing this. I will picture the life I am building, the freedom I am reclaiming, and the success I am setting myself up for.

The alcohol ban has already proven that this approach works. Even with the temptation all around me, I stayed sober through January, only allowing an exception for one pre-planned annual event. The strength I found in focusing on my future kept me from making impulsive decisions, and I will apply that same mindset to overcoming my other challenges.

That’s why I’ve structured 2025 as a year of transition. This isn’t the year where everything falls into place overnight—this is the year where I lay the foundation. It’s the year where I take back control, step by step, overcoming obstacles and setting up my future.

This is just the beginning, but I am on the right path.

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