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Last Year

I started off 2025 with a terrible experience that for me took a lot of time, meditation and forgiveness to get past. That seemed to set the tone for the entire year; I'd be happily working, and then suddenly some disaster, ailment or unkindness would derail me and then I'd have to work my way through the fallout. It was that classic lather, rinse, repeat situation that never seems to improve. This past month has been a mirror to the first one, ending 2025 as badly as it began.

My relationships shifted and changed, the world became colder and more hateful, and it seemed like there was nothing I could hold onto while I recovered from whatever cruel thing that had happened -- only there was. My creativity was always ready to pull me out of the poisonous to me situations, as well as my writing and my wonderful day job. It sounds trite but it's true; that really helped me manage all these toxic incidents without sinking too deeply into depression. To see some of my favorite projects from this past year, check out my album here.

Refusing to let the ugliness get to me was a year-long slog, but I managed. As a result I am still working and creating, although I've become much more wary. For the first time in my life I'm putting me first, and while that still feels a bit selfish it has been good for me. I'm done with tolerating abuse from people and situations that are toxic to me. I am considering shutting down my social media and just blogging, even though I'm probably just writing for myself at this point. Hey, I like writing for me. :)

As for 2025, farewell, you nasty year. Don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.

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