The 30th annual Rant… give or take a few years… those early days were actually hand written so the historical archives are a little sketchy. The older I get, which seems to be accelerating at a terrifying clip – the more important it seems to share my observations and experiences beyond just those every day rant-worthy irritations… maybe that’s just something old people feel they need to do… Yes might be one of those this year – which don’t be confused the ridiculous secret menu Starbuck’s orders, texting while driving, tying up the Dunkin’ line and general stupidity continue to irritate the hell out of me… but it almost seems rhetorical at this point. I’ve come to the unfortunate conclusion that people are not getting smarter… no not at all, and because I’m now supposedly being measured on the “grumpy old man” scale I have even less patience with those that walk among us… just out there breathing my air!

Frustrations aside though I reflect on another year of experiences and I wonder how I am going to integrate these into the tapestry of my life – how is it possible to continue expanding my capacity for the beauty, pain, passion, and love this life brings me every year? There are many days my heart whispers “just stay in the moment…,” not everything needs to be understood.

But I am finally beginning to understand one of the true benefits of age is realizing the suppression one’s emotions is a construct of a society that chooses not to value the freedom and genuineness of the human experience and I don’t have to subscribe to it. Additionally,  the broader my experience, the more I become acutely aware of just how fortunate I am, we all have challenges in this life but comparatively these days mine rarely rise above the “rant” level. I’ve been working in Miami since early this year and that regular drive gives me plenty of time to think and reflect on life and it doesn’t hurt that its augmented by a well curated playlist – seems I have always had a personal soundtrack for this life.

Those drives are always a collage of memories colliding with each other – the sweetness of a whispered “papa”, hand made cards, Sunday family dinners, conversations with my mom, the poignant moments one can only share with a true partner, the privilege of leading an incredible team of people – not employees but people that are important to me. I’ve never been one to have separate identities, I simply strive to be a genuine person and make a quality effort regardless – not always successful, but it’s always my true aim. But for me it always comes down to finding balance among the wide range of experiences this life brings, never mind fitting each new one into its proper place.

I’m finding there isn’t a uniqueness to the challenges this life brings, but each one is personal in its own way. News from a long time friend that they are battling a difficult cancer diagnosis, or a woman we have become friends with – a single mother working endless hours to provide some semblance of stability for her three girls, or the myriad of other challenges that make up the every day lives of folks that are important to me. My bad knees or coffee line issues seem to pale when considered objectively; which doesn’t mean I don’t self indulge in my own frustrations, but I try to be present enough in those moments to keep some perspective. I guess that’s really the challenge for all of us, there is no way to know another’s journey; and it should go without saying that what might seem trivial to us may be the biggest challenge another is facing… so maintaining some perspective and not applying my personal bias is something I’m working on. I once wrote: “there is a filament that lies within the human experience that ties all things and all beings together…” I honestly don’t remember what inspired that line, but the older I get the truer it seems.

So uh where’s the actual rant? Were you looking for something political, or maybe a regurgitation of what some fool did in a drive thru line… or better yet an overly acerbic retrospective on the insanity of our current tipping culture or why does it take DoorDash 49 minutes to go 1.3 miles? I could resurrect my disdain for insurance companies – footnote Kiersta’s house is finally – yes a year later – coming back to life after a long fight with her homeowners insurance. I’m just happy they are going to get their home back; that rant hits way too close to home.

We could of course go in the opposite direction and have a lively discussion on all the wonderful things that happened this year… there is plenty, for instance Kyle and Dani have set a date to get married in 2026, the grands are growing up and have any number of things to discuss… we just covered Kiersta and Jon getting their house back to whole and of course I think Tammy is serious about possibly retiring next year… But you know as wonderful as those all are the original point of the rant was to craft a sarcastic and acerbic response to those types of year end epistles – ironic isn’t it? Maybe there’s something to that whole filament thing that only becomes obvious in the context time or more accurately experiences.

One might say its been a year of change, but truth is there is a steady cadence to life and change, evolution even revolution is just part of that journey – I propose the key is to be self-aware enough that we are not reactive but objective about the journey. Life isn’t something that happens to us, don’t be a spectator watching yours go by wondering why… no be in the moment, be present, be the main character the key ingredient; and if fate shines on us we will share some bright moments in the filament that binds us all together.

Stay in the light my friends, Ill see you on the journey…