2024 was a … unique … year.
The year seemed to be much more politically charged, but that’s what happens during a US election cycle. In Canada, we had continuous disarray that ultimately arrived at our doorsteps because of bad management on all levels of government. That said, I’m the last person to say ‘I should go into politics’ and I know how hard it is for those that are bold and brave enough to stand up against the thugs and barbarians.
And … that’s where I’ll stop talking about that stuff.
2024 was actually a really great year for me. I worked very hard on a new and improved website and I’m very pleased with it. Of course, I can’t take credit for the bulk of the work and would like to thank Jason for all his help and patience!
(If any of you out there want a recommendation for a web person, please send me a note).
I also graduated from the St. Lawrence College ‘Music and Digital Media’ program. One of my final projects was the completion of a video for my poem and composition ‘AIR’. Enjoy this:
Again, if you’re looking for a recommendation for someone to help with video editing, let me know. Braedon supported me on this project and he’s got a lot of talent and ideas.
At the outset of 2025, I hope to have some exciting news about some next steps for me, including:
- A new book (or at least some early release chapters for people to review).
- Acceptance to a writing program (details TBA).
These will take priority, but I’ve got many other activities in the queue that I’d like to focus on:
- Spending time on the family and supporting my son and wife as they build their careers.
- Loads of guitar practice. I try very hard to spend an hour or so a day, but sometimes time wins that battle and other activities get in the way.
- Getting back to recording music. I have MANY songs waiting for me to breath some life into them and I hope to share a few sooner rather than later.
- Travel – I’m not sure how much we’ll be traveling this year, but I hope to visit some places that help me recharge myself and my family. We have a couple of local plans in mind already.
- Live music – we have a few concerts lined up, but we’re feeling very satisfied with some of the incredible performances we experienced in 2024, including U2 at the Sphere, Springsteen in Ottawa and more.
- Reading – I want to explore a range of books that will open my mind to different ideas.
- Social – we’ve been in Kingston six years now and we’re looking to expanding our range of contact with friends, neighbours and family.
- Cycling – I have to admit that I held back in the last two years following the deadly accident of a friend with a local cycling group. 2025 will be the year to defeat that fear.
- Community engagement – I plan on dedicating more time to volunteering in 2025, starting with Joe’s MILL, but hopefully to other activities that will demonstrate my commitment to making my local world a better place. I implore you to do the same. When all seems to be going to shit on a federal or global level, local seems to be the only true sphere of reality that you can influence in a productive way.
- Health and mental care – I promised myself that I wouldn’t obsess with weight loss in 2025, but would instead try to find new ways to be active, adding strength training, flexibility, cardio and more to my routines.
Just for the record, these aren’t necessarily resolutions, but I feel these are great guidelines or methods to make me a happier and more fulfilled person in 2025.
What are your plans for 2025? Did you make resolutions or do you find that process passé?
Feel to free to share your thoughts in my comments below. I’d love to hear from you.