As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on the paths I’ve taken, the lessons I’ve learned, and the moments that have shaped my journey. This year has been one of exploration—not just of books and ideas, but of myself. From diving into Buddhist teachings to contemplating the impermanence of life, I’ve felt the pull of history, philosophy, and the natural world tugging at my attention.

One of the most humbling truths I’ve grappled with is how small we are in the grand span of human history. Empires rise and fall, and the lessons of the past often feel like whispers in the present. Nothing is permanent, a reality I’m beginning to embrace not with fear, but with curiosity and reverence. It’s a perspective that resonates with the Buddhist idea of non-self and impermanence and echoes the Stoic practice of meditation on mortality.

But philosophy isn’t just something I’ve read about—it’s something I’ve tried to live. Gardening has taught me patience and the cyclical nature of life. Photography has made me stop and truly see the world in front of me. Both have been meditations in their own right, grounding me in the present moment.

A New Frontier

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m stepping into what I’m calling my “cowboy era.” It’s an idea that’s more about a mindset than an aesthetic. To me, it’s about independence, adventure, and embracing the rugged parts of life that build character.

This era starts with three specific goals:

1. Catch and eat a fish. There’s something primal and rewarding about the idea of catching my own food. It’s about connecting with nature, respecting the process, and savoring the moment.

2. Learn how to cook brisket. There’s an art to slow cooking, to tending a fire, to waiting patiently for the flavors to deepen. It’s a lesson in mindfulness wrapped in smoky, savory goodness.

3. Take a stunning picture of the galaxy. This is a challenge to push my photography skills further, but it’s also about embracing awe. When I look up at the stars, I’m reminded of how vast and interconnected the universe is.

These goals aren’t just hobbies—they’re ways of deepening my connection to the world and to myself. They’re about finding meaning in the simple, the slow, and the intentional.

Carrying Lessons Forward

As I embrace this new phase, I carry forward the lessons I’ve learned this year. From Living Buddha, Living Christ, I’ve taken to heart the idea that “we can enter a house through many doors.” This reminds me that life offers countless ways to grow, connect, and find meaning.

And from The Wisdom of Insecurity, I’m reminded that chasing future happiness often robs us of the present. As Alan Watts wrote, “If happiness always depends on something expected in the future, we are chasing a will-o’-the-wisp.”

The cowboy era isn’t about running from my past or chasing some idealized future. It’s about being present, fully alive, and embracing the challenges and joys of life as they come.

Wrapping Up

As I close the chapter on 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for the growth I’ve experienced and the path ahead. This blog has been a space to explore big questions, to connect with others, and to remind myself that the journey matters as much as the destination. You can read more of my posts here, the readings that influenced me this year here, and some of my favorite photographs here.

To those who’ve followed along this year, thank you. Here’s to 2025—to catching fish, cooking brisket, photographing the galaxy, and living life with intention.