As for this next year...

Here we go. Another year. Another goal. Another observation. As we all gear up to what is already looking to be a remarkable next year, I can't help but to ask myself, "what does the new year bring for me?" 

I'm sure that is the question on everyones mind. It has been a time of so much deep contemplation. At least that is where I have found myself. Wondering what is and what will be. Its not only because it will be 2025, and not only because its predicted that we will be finding ourselves in a much different world. But possibly because the world seems to be opening up and disappearing at the same time. Its hard to explain but let me try. 

1. AI has become so integrated in a lot of ways ( ChaptGPT for writing, AI robots in fast food chains for meal ordering, AI farms taking over in the fields reducing the need for actual human interaction)  that most at home desk jobs will soon seem to find themselves at the mercy of AI. At least thats the way it looks via job searching for me currently and what the temperature feels like from most people applying and posting about their job searching on social media apps. Its almost hard to even say this is a bad thing considering AI is creating so many ways for artist to tell stories using different apps and software that its create a pool of opportunity for those willing to dive into the different AI software that is offered. Most have trials so you don't have to worry about paying upfront but the free trials only go so far before the software needs to be updated with a payment. 

2. Social gatherings seem to be the only thing keeping us together. But not really. Most gatherings need to consist of alcohol, drugs, or honestly the obsession with our phones. Even in my most recent gatherings on business I've noticed a weird trend amongst people to stayed glued to their phone. I was no different. I almost felt like a fish out of water without taking an occasional glance at my phone to put me at some kind of peace? I will say my current relationship called for a lot of attention to my phone if I was out of town but even without that excuse I found myself really having a hard time socializing with people. Even a most recent visit to a friend left me feeling if he could feel my disconnection? It was weird for me because it could have just been the amount of thoughts running through my head, but who's to say we all aren't going through the same thing? I'm hoping humanity does see the issue with creating gatherings with the sole purpose to connect through different various means versus just connecting. It's so much harder to explain than what I'm doing now but feels so necessary for someone to hear. 

3. A genuine sense of compassion for humanity seems to be missing. Or maybe it just feels like that? With the war in Ukraine currently on and going and with no signs of it getting any better, it just seems like the world is headed in a way that to me will be unforgivable. And I mean it just feels like a lot of neglect is happening for the common man on the ground level and that usually just trickles up to affect us all. I don't think its a coincidence that we are seeing drones in a lot of areas. I'm not saying I know what that is for or what they are doing, but it just feels related to the many things we are told just to kind of ignore. Ignore it, until we can't ignore it anymore. Maybe I'm reaching, maybe I'm wrong. But when things like TIKTOK get banned but there is no explanation as to why drones are flying around in masses it just makes me feel skeptical about the overall mental health of society. How can we be ok? How can we just continue to ignore? I'm praying this last point leads to nothing and we all are just living in a huge time of transition.

Which brings me to my last point. With the new year approaching I feel very different than I have most years. Most years I'm getting a list ready and trying to figure out what my new year resolution will be. This year feels so different. We are living in a time that is so different how can it not feel different?! So much has changed in my life in just this year I know it sounds crazy even hearing it come out of my mouth. But its just a feeling. A feeling that going into this next year will just be different. I know I had my examples but I just really want to make it clear to people we should be preparing to give the best versions of ourselves forever. Sounds funny but I mean it. Giving the best version of yourself FOREVER. Not just for the year, or until you get triggered. Just giving the best version of ourselves undoubtedly. We won't have the luxury to continue to switch from side to side. Its going to be an all or nothing kind of thing. 

And I don't mean thins to put fear in anyone, but I feel called to say this. I have been saying it, but now its in writing. And if you ever need a reminder you can come right back here. I really feel it in my bones to express how important this is. 2025 will bring upon a lot of change. Good and bad. And to be prepared for it all, just get right within yourself. Its a process that is ongoing and honestly never ending. But a process that will never go anywhere, just wait for you. 

As for this next year, make a promise to yourself, you will be the best version of yourself forever. No matter what happens, good or bad, you are doing this for not just you, but everyone around you. I hope anyone that reads this takes this and runs with it. May you all have a blessed holiday and special time with the ones you love! Also, happy new year!

-Devon