My New Years Message
Hello, Neuromantics.
As the clock ticks into a brand new year, I've been thinking a lot about the ritual of New Year’s resolutions. They’ve always felt like throwing a dart at a moving target—a mix of optimism, pressure, and a little self-delusion. This year, I’m trying something different: no resolutions. Instead, I’m making space for reflections.
Looking back over the last year of Neuromantics, a few things have run through our conversations here. Whether it’s finding joy in unexpected places, like an old MGTF teaching me about biases or unpacking the tension between stoicism and happiness, there’s been a quiet undercurrent of resilience. Even in the stories where I wrestled with self-doubt or high expectations, there was always a glimmer of something to hold onto—a pattern, a lesson, or just the faint whisper of keep going.
So, I’m pulling out a few reflections that feel worth carrying forward:
Surprises Can Be the Best Teachers. Whether it’s an overlooked car, a side hobby, or someone who surprises you with unexpected kindness, stay open to being amazed. Life has a way of sneaking up on you with little gifts if you let it.
Belonging Doesn’t Require Fitting In. The more I’ve embraced not worrying about fitting into every box, the more I’ve felt truly connected. Although this is a very bumpy ride, when you let go of perfection, you make room for others to do the same—and that’s where real belonging begins.
It’s Okay to Expect Less. High expectations can be a double-edged sword, especially for those wired for pattern recognition and endless overthinking. Sometimes, the path to happiness is letting yourself be a little mediocre and discovering the joy in just being.
My final point is, I think, its good to realise that things don’t always go the way we want. But that’s ok - because (in the words of Alabama Whitman:
“I kept asking Clarence why our world seemed to be collapsing, and things seemed to be getting so sh*tty. And he’d say, ‘that’s the way it goes, but don’t forget, it goes the other way too.’ That’s the way it is, usually, that’s the way it goes, but every once in a while, it goes the other way too.”
Above all, the message I’m carrying into 2025 is simple: Keep your chin up. Life will throw curveballs—it always does. Choose to believe in better days and find beauty even when it feels hidden.
Thank you for being here, reading, and sharing this space with me. Here’s to a year of reflections, small joys, and keeping our chins up together.
Warm wishes for 2025, and thanks to all my supporters (especially my biggest supporter, Vicky)
Peace,
Michael