Journal Entry 004: Closing The Year
A New Chapter Begins
To Future Me & My Favorite Reader,
First things first, I have some exciting news to share with you. After eight years of service in the Marine Corps … and another two years in the Civilian Corps, I've been granted a 100% VA disability rating. It's a significant milestone for me, and it prompted me to take a brief pause from the daily operations of The MINDSET. There are times often thrust upon us that demand reflection, and this is one of those moments for me.
This new season of life has sparked a profound shift in my perspective. I've officially dedicated myself to a path of continuous learning through experiences and content creation. In documenting every step of this journey on the digital platforms I've carefully crafted, I hope to share answers to questions others may have about taking the journey for themselves. These platforms serve as the canvas for my evolving narrative, where I explore, experiment, and express.
The Hub of My Content Universe
I've made some light revisions and additions to my business model, taking inspiration from Simon Whistler, among other content creators. My website serves as the central hub, offering gateway access to all my content. It's like a universe I've created, with different worlds for various interests and thoughts. On my website you will find my blog which is split into two main categories. "The Book of Night" is where you'll find life-focused self-improvement content, everything useful that I got from my time in the Marine Cops.
The other primary category is all about my journey in building a business online. I transform my daily "TaskList" forum post notes into blog articles, making it easier for others to learn from my experiences. This interconnected web of information is my playground, and I can't bein to explain how excited I am to share it all with you in the coming weeks and months!
Lester's InkWell Collective
I couldn't resist the urge to expand my creative horizons even further to cover each of my hobbies and interests. So, I ventured back into SubStack and created publications for my poetry, creative writing and Lego projects.
It's like having an assembly of individual self-contained worlds, dedicated to my fleeting thoughts and micro-projects. These platforms are where I can now document the many small ideas and special sayings that visit me in those fleeting moments. It's like having a canvas for my creative spontaneity.
As for my Coffee Shop, I'm introducing the MINDSET Monthly and Weekly Briefings, which will give you insight into my motivation and inspiration for future content. It's a sneak peek into the horizon, allowing us to collaborate more effectively in the months to come.
Dream Seeds: Nourishing the Mind
Now, let's talk about the Dream Seed lineup for the rest of 2023 and 2024. As the year comes to a close, I'm focusing on community and unity. The world can be a dark place, and I believe we all need a bit of community, even if it comes through fables and stories. December will be all about gratitude and reflection, helping us appreciate the blessings in our lives and express gratitude.
In January 2024, we'll embrace New Beginnings. Together, we'll explore fresh starts, resolutions, and the excitement of new beginnings. February will be the month of Love and Connection, delving into stories of love, empathy, and human connections.
March will bring Resilience & Strength to the forefront, where we'll find inspiration in stories of overcoming challenges. April, the month of spring, will explore tales of personal growth, change, and transformation. In May, we'll celebrate the beauty of nature and the importance of finding harmony with the world around us.
June takes us on an Adventure and Exploration, where we set off on journeys of self-discovery. July revolves around community and unity, exploring the power of coming together as a community. In August, we'll reflect on blessings and giftings as summer approaches its end.
September will focus on Education and Knowledge, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning. October, with its Halloween theme, will bring us stories of Courage and Bravery, inspiring us to face our fears. As we move into the holiday season, November will center on Generosity and Giving, fostering compassion and spreading love to others.
We'll conclude the year in December with stories of joy, celebration, and the warmth of the holiday season.
Functioning Properly During Times of Crisis
In the midst of all this, it's hard not to notice the turmoil in the world. I've felt the touch of inoperability during times of crisis, and I want to share what I've learned with you. Week 46 will focus on Functioning Properly During Times of Crisis. It's a topic close to my heart, and I believe we can all benefit from understanding how to navigate these challenging moments.
Wrapping Up the Year
The year will close with topics that are equally close to my heart. Week 47 will bring us Gratitude and Thanksgiving, and Week 48 will be all about Setting and Achieving Year-End Goals. As we step into December, Week 49 will focus on Mindfulness During the Holiday Season, followed by Preparing for The New Year in Week 50.
Week 51 is dedicated to Reflecting on the Year and Self-Compassion, and Week 52 will end the year with stories of Welcoming the New Year with Positivity and Purpose.
Building My World
Now that I have this roadmap in place, I can begin positioning myself to follow the daily schedule I've crafted. It's like I'm immersing myself in a world of my own design, where I study the events of the world, put energy into my hobbies, and create valuable content, all of which contribute to building my business.
So, Future Me and My Favorite Reader, this is where I stand today. It's a journey filled with purpose, passion, and an ever-growing MINDSET. I'm excited to have you alongside me as we explore this uncharted territory of personal growth and creativity. Together, we'll continue to sculpt our universe, one idea at a time.
PS. Just realized that I’ve lost my entire collection of created images in canva. I think I’m still in shock… Going to bed now.
I cast my reflections onto these blank sheets
an act of self-discovery
and self-compassion
I have woven a tapestry
of my experiences
and of my dreams
These words serve as breadcrumbs,
leading me back
to rediscover my authentic self
for the first time.
I turn the page,
We carry with us the lessons learned and the resilience gained.
Lux Ex Tenebris
- Isaac