A year behind, a year ahead
2024 has been surprising, full of new experiences and unexpected detours. I’ve made friends, joined communities, contributed, reflected, and learned. I am exceedingly grateful for this year. As I look back, I want to share not only what I’ve learned, but how I intend to use those learnings in the new year. 2025 is brimming with possibility, and some exciting developments are already in motion.
I am at home in pages and words
Taking 6 months away from work was an audacious step for me. I wanted to use this time well, so I wrote down some goals. Among them - building a writing practice, primarily through this Substack. Doing this has been transformational. I’ve reconnected to a love of language that wasn’t so tangible before. I have a new outlet for reflection and storytelling, and a lovely group of folks who enjoy my cobbled together musings. I’m not sure how to quantify improvement, but it feels like my output is more consistent, fluid, and cohesive. I feel prepared to take on loner writing projects and I’ve found joy in editing the work of others.
In the coming year, writing will continue to be a focus area, both personally and professionally. I suspect the distinction there may become increasingly blurry. The memoir concept is still a long term objective, but I know I need help with structure and development. I will be searching for a writing partner and mentor, someone to take the journey with me. I don’t know exactly what this looks like, but my intuition tells me it’s the next logical step.
I will continue to fly, learn, and contribute
My flying improved over the course of 2024, with significant time dedicated to progressing as a pilot. I completed to training courses that broadened my skill set, preparing me for the next big step - flying cross country (XC). The opportunity to do an XC flight didn’t materialize at Tiger this year, but I am confident it will soon.
I am more comfortable in the air, with my body more relaxed, mental bandwidth increased. I am curious about strong thermic air, less fearful, able to use it to climb. Flying near other pilots and closer to terrain isn’t anxiety inducing like it was as a newly minted beginner.
My shoulder was a challenge this year and those experiences have helped me learn to be more patient with myself, more aware of limitations. Flying a paraglider is a visceral, embodied experience that demands attention, to your own mind and body, and the physical world you move in. So many people live in what Christine Rosen calls a pseudo-reality, where experiences are governed by algorithms. Flying has reminded me of the importance of doing something that is unmediated by the digital world.
2025 will be an important year for my flying. I will be traveling to Colombia in February, with a handful of friends, exploring the Valle de Cauca on the ground and in the sky. I am so fortunate to have mentors, skilled pilots I can learn from. Likely, I will return to Chelan next summer for the competitions, serving as the volunteer manager, perhaps even more involved in the planning leading up to the event. I’ve also found other opportunities to give back to the flying community and I look forward to lending my time and skill with technology and project management.
A vision for my career is becoming clearer
One benefit of having time and space to sit and reflect is that you can see new perspectives, things that are easy to miss while immersed in the routines and demands of full time work. It took a while, and I’m still figuring out the specifics, but I know now that I want to work in a healthcare setting closer to patients and providers. I am confident that my skills, knowledge, and lived experiences - particularly those that relate to oncology and my journey with cancer - can be used to help others. This is central to what comes next for me.
I am moving into 2025 with a clearer idea of the role I want and I will continue to work with my small group of searchers as we refine and prepare, supporting and encouraging each other along the way. I will be doing more interviews, not just for jobs, but conversations with current and former coworkers. My goal is to listen and learn, to take in other perspectives and ideas, and use that wisdom to inform how and where I focus my efforts. With a bit of luck and a lot of preparation, I hope to pivot into something new.
Embrace middle age and all that goes with it
When I was younger, I didn’t give much thought to middle age; I had no real conception of it. And yet, this is the place I find myself now, towards the middle-end of a beautiful and improbable life. I continue to feel grateful every day that I am here, fully aware this journey may be abbreviated.
To be a young person today is fraught in ways I barely understand. That I am someone’s role model is still surprising - I never set out to be. I feel like I’m continuing to figure all of this out every day. But I know we can learn from each other, anyone in my life who is seeking to be more present, more compassionate with themselves and others.
I want to continue to support and inspire others, not knowing exactly form this will take. In addition to the words I write, I will show up to help, to listen, to be next to the friend who needs me. Maybe there is a way to provide mentors, just as I’ve received it from others. For the new year, I will seek out these sorts of opportunities, giving my time and attention to others.
Be open to change and movement, but make time to sit and reflect
This year I danced and celebrated, uninhibited and free. I had many reminders of how important it is to gather with people, friends or stranger, and be near each other in a place, with music. There is real magic in those moments when we put our phones away and move to a rhythm.
It may not be possible to be cured but you can be healed. I am learning what that means for me, through writing and flying and being with the people I cherish. I believe that words have power, to change us, give us new perspectives, to inspire and embolden. I don’t ever want to stop reading and absorbing new ideas.
I am generally oriented towards the new and unknown, future-focused, rarely dwelling on the past. This year it’s been instructive for me to sit and remember, to document my days, reflect on how I came to be here, on who I am now. I will carry this practice into the year ahead, share what I’m learning, and work on becoming more grateful, more compassionate, and more open.
Thank you for being on this journey with me. Happy New Year!
Nice read. Happy New Year, bro! Best wishes for good health!
Happy New Year!