As the final days of 2024 settle into place, I find myself in a state of equilibrium that has been years in the making. This is my moment of parity, a harmonious balance between past and present, chaos and clarity, action and reflection. It’s a symphony composed not just of my achievements but of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Today, December 29, 2024, feels like a punctuation mark at the end of a profound sentence. As the clock ticks toward January 1, 2025, a day that marks both a new year and my nephew’s 25th birthday, I’m reminded of the constants in my life. My nephew, a perpetual cherry atop life’s sundae, is a gift from my sister and her husband, whose kindness to me in adulthood has been a cornerstone of my strength. My intuition, an ever-present guide, has brought me here with humility and gratitude.

I’ve spent much of my life toggling between being the pilot and the engineer of my existence, navigating turbulent skies and methodically fine-tuning the machinery of my aspirations. Today, however, I feel a rare peace, a stillness in the air. My home is nearly immaculate, with just 30 minutes of tidying standing between me and a fully organized space. Yet, it’s not the tasks that weigh on me; it’s the acknowledgment of an unspoken truth. Seth was my steadfast companion in many ways, has drifted into a space where he is no longer an active participant in my opportunities. Though he does not wish failure upon me, the torch of effort is now solely mine to carry.

This realization demands a recalibration of my approach. It’s time to architect a daily schedule that propels me toward a future I can claim with pride. My mornings, from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., will remain dedicated to the work that has sustained me for over a decade. But my afternoons and evenings, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., will be a sanctuary for creativity, health, and strategic planning. This regimen, adhered to seven days a week, will build the scaffolding for my next chapter.

My physical health, often placed on the back burner, will now take center stage. A GI appointment must be set to address my lingering concerns, and a renewed commitment to my well-being will serve as the foundation for everything else. My creative outlets, too, must flourish—they are the lifeblood of my spirit. Whether through writing, community building, or the ongoing development of Air in the Middle Solutions, LLC, I will channel my gifts into tangible progress.

As I write this, Enya’s ethereal melodies provide a soundtrack that connects me to my mother, Lynn. Her spirit, steadfast and serene, is a beacon of comfort. My stepfather, Ron, with his heart of gold, stands beside her in my memories, both of them enduring pillars in the ever-shifting sands of my journey. To them, and to myself, I offer this reflection: I am difficult, yes, but difficulty is not a flaw. It is the texture of a life lived authentically. It is the grit that polishes the pearl.

Looking ahead to 2025, I see a path illuminated by both ambition and purpose. Downtown Camas—my small but mighty community—is primed for transformation. With fewer than 30,000 residents, we have the opportunity to redefine what small-town living can mean in the 21st century. Air in the Middle Solutions will spearhead this effort, creating tools that empower administrators and business leaders to thrive in a digital age while preserving the essence of our town’s charm. This is not just a project; it is a calling, a chance to make Camas a beacon for others to follow.

In 350 days, I will turn 50. This milestone, Chapter 3 of my life, is both a culmination and a beginning. As I sit here today, I declare my intention to embrace it with open arms. I will build upon the foundation laid by decades of experience in IT, a career that began when I was just 8 years old. Though there were moments when I wished to step away—most poignantly on December 14, 2000—I now see that every step, even the reluctant ones, has brought me here. To this peace. To this parity. To this persistence.

To my future self, reading this on January 30, 2025, I say: You have succeeded. You have honored your gifts and met the moment with courage. The legend of your map—a constellation pinned with purpose—has become a guide not just for yourself but for others. You have found your balance, your rhythm, your light. And with it, you illuminate the way forward, one step, one breath, one day at a time.

This is not the end. It is merely the next chapter. And it is ours to write.