the crimbo limbo ramble

In this episode, I’m out on a walk—my first good ramble in weeks—navigating the muddy fields and reflecting on life as we sit in this in-between time of Crimbo Limbo, that strange stretch between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It’s a time I usually dedicate to reflecting, recalibrating, and looking ahead to what the next year might bring.

My Thoughts on Reflection and Moving Forward

I’ve always been someone who tends to look forward rather than dwell too much on the past. This time of year used to be about tallying wins and losses, but these days, I focus more on the present and what’s coming next. For me, if I’m still breathing, that’s a win. As I slog through this muddy track, I find myself thinking about what I want to leave behind in 2024 and what I want to carry forward into 2025. This reflective space is less about resolutions and more about setting intentions and finding what excites me for the year ahead.

Reclaiming Outdoor Time

One big intention for 2025 is to spend more time outdoors. I used to spend so much of my life moving through the world, exploring, and being out in nature, but these days, work has me anchored to screens and indoor spaces. That’s got to change. I want to get back to breaking new trails—whether that’s wandering through unfamiliar fields or exploring urban spaces and new cities. It’s all about restoring that balance between inside and outside.

Returning to Blogging

This past year, I made a conscious decision to return to blogging. I’d experimented with platforms like Substack and Beehive, but ultimately, I realised I wanted the freedom that comes with owning my own space online. On my blog, there’s no algorithm dictating what works—it’s just me, my ideas, and my imagination. Blogging lets me explore curiosity in a way that feels true to who I am.

I know the internet these days is all about finding your niche, but I’ve never been one for labels. My niche is being a generalist, exploring chaos and meaning, and following wherever my curiosity takes me. One of my longtime readers, Dave, told me the reason he keeps coming back is because he never knows what he’s going to find on my blog. That was the validation I needed to embrace being unpredictable and unshackled by the usual rules of content creation.

Navigating the Artist’s Struggle

As a creator, there’s always that push and pull between making what you love and doing what “works.” It’s tempting to follow trends or cater to algorithms, but honestly, that’s just not fun. My joy comes from exploring ideas and playing with concepts—not from churning out listicles or “how-to” guides. I’d rather focus on what feels authentic, even if it means swimming against the current.

Embracing Generative AI

One of the tools that’s really shaped my creative process this year is generative AI. I’ve been diving deep into this space, and it’s been nothing short of transformative. Whether it’s using AI to reflect on my journal entries, coaching myself through tough questions, or experimenting with language as a kind of digital alchemy, I’m constantly blown away by the possibilities. Sure, there are people who resist it, but for me, it’s all about exploring what’s possible and pushing boundaries.

Rediscovering Hypertextuality

As I’ve been blogging more, I’ve also been thinking a lot about how the internet used to be—a vast library of serendipity, where you could wander freely and discover new ideas. These days, platforms feel more like walled gardens—or worse, prisons—designed to keep you locked in and consuming. I’m determined to reclaim that spirit of exploration, both for myself and for anyone who stumbles across my little corner of the web.

Looking Ahead to 2025

So what’s on the horizon for 2025? For me, it’s about creating more and consuming less. It’s about embracing my identity as an artist and treating life itself as my medium. I plan to document more of my journey—raw, unpolished, and real—whether that’s through my blog, social media, or my podcast.

I’ve also been thinking about how to streamline my creative toolkit. Between my Meta glasses, my audio recorders, and my trusty phone, I’m ready to experiment with new ways of capturing and sharing my perspective. I want my work to feel more like an audio journal or an audio zine—less polished, more in-the-moment, and full of life.

Wrapping Up

As I crest this last muddy hill, I’m feeling ready to close out 2024 and step into 2025 with purpose. If you’ve stuck with me this far, thank you for being part of the journey. If you enjoy what I create, I’d love for you to subscribe to the podcast or sign up for updates on my blog. Let’s keep exploring, creating, and embracing the chaos together. Here’s to a new year full of possibilities.