31/12/2024
I completed my New Year's intention for 2024 without even realising it today. As you may remember, I wrote about saying farewell to the weight of commitments, five minutes at a time. I explained my cunning plan, even though it sounded preposterous. I don't know of one person who didn't have a tough, extremely busy, extremely ill, extremely tired day this year, or was impeded by foes of whatever nature. So was I. I set out to complete five minutes of fixing, building, or creating, five minutes of reading, and five minutes of chess each day. In reality, my average time spent on these was significantly higher on each, probably consistently 20-45 minutes each, depending on the day, with some days even far more. The point is that I didn't fail on the hard days. And like Sisyphus, I endured through hardship. Having pets die, I spent my building time creating coffins to show them my love and send them off with dignity. While traveling, I had to get creative, picking up crocheting, origami, leatherwork, or even fixing things on my vehicle. At home, I built things I am immensely proud of, like a beautiful, one-of-a-kind walnut bedside lamp, among many other creations. I learned to hand-stitch leather and found a newfound respect for that ancient craft. My chess rating peaked and then plateaued again, but did not plummet; I learned a new opening repertoire, and most importantly: I enjoyed it! In reading, I completed my first work of fiction in years and enjoyed it, but my focus was on neuroscience and psychology, expanding my knowledge significantly. I feel invigorated by my achievements this year. Do not mock others' goals; set your own, and you need not advertise them either. Keep pushing that boulder up the hill. The point is not always reaching the top every day; you won't, and your efforts may seem futile, though they are not. There is nobility and dignity in enduring, in striving for growth and the expansion of your consciousness and Being, even if the increments seem infinitesimally small. I invite you to embark on your own five-minute-a-day journey next year. I may not continue in exactly the same fashion, as I have some ideas on how to optimise my personal approach. The goal was not just checking the box but discovering what you learn about yourself in the process, what you are capable of, and that often, the biggest impediments lie within ourselves, though those dragons can be slain while on your own hero's journey. Shine forth!
