Survive and Thrive in 2025

2024 was a year for the record books, and not in a good way. At least we survived to see another one. Many didn’t.

After SARSCov2, we were promised a return to normalcy if all 7 billion of us complied with draconian, and likely illegal, measures. 

But here we are five years later—are we “back to normal” yet? 

Honestly, I didn’t think normal was all that great to begin with, but since 2021, we’ve spiraled from a bad normal to the worst normal of my lifetime.

I won’t bore you with the laundry list of reasons why this is the case; you already know, and I don’t want to drag you down further. 

The truth is, the West has failed catastrophically over the past four or five years, and 2024 put the cherry on top of this dismal cake when it not only condoned global atrocities, but also aided and abetted them with military support and hundreds of billions in taxpayer dollars.

So, what do we do in 2025? 

This fresh year offers a chance to make changes for the better, but it’s going to take more than just wishful thinking. 

I’m committed to working toward the best possible world for myself and others, all while preparing for the worst. It’s a balancing act that we can’t afford to ignore.

I’m done with the hollow promises of a society that’s lost its way. I will survive and thrive despite what the powers that shouldn’t be have planned for us.

I’ll focus on authenticity, self-care, and simplicity. I’ll seek out genuine connections and support smaller scale systems that get work done, rather than getting lost in the noise of a culture wracked with corruption and superficiality.

Let’s face it: the old ways aren’t working. It’s time to carve out a new path, one that prioritizes real change over empty slogans. 

Moving to a more simple lifestyle in consumer nations will be an important part of the solution, and one that anyone anywhere can adopt with immediate results.

Downsizing in tough times makes perfect sense. That means getting rid of debt by focusing on the essentials. Learning to do things for ourselves, and creating  systems of mutual aid on our way toward  living better with less. 

In my experience, it will also increase the enjoyment of life generally. 

How will you survive and thrive in 2025? Let us know in a comment below.

Wrong Planet

Stop this thing and let me off. I think I'm on the wrong planet. Ever feel that way? I have, like forever.

George Harrison, after the Beatles, said, 

"Sometimes I feel like I'm actually on the wrong planet. It's great when I'm in my garden but the minute I go out the gate I think, 'What the hell am I doing here?'"

He found his own tribe, and it wasn't "out there" in the material-obsessed world.

I have found parts of my own tribe in unlikely places. Other countries, the backcountry, and in the club of people who have never joined clubs.

Karl Wiggins, in Wrong Planet - Searching for Your Tribe says:

“What about those of us who just don’t fit in, who feel as if we were born on the Wrong Planet, or in the wrong time period? 

Where did we come from? Is this a whole counter-culture that’s new to the planet, moving us forward? Have we finally reached the Age of Aquarius? Is it now?

Is the moon in the seventh house? Has Jupiter finally aligned with Mars? And are we right now getting ready to see mystic crystal revelation where love will steer the stars? 

Afraid not. 

There have always been people who see the world differently from everyone else. And there always will be. 

If you’re one of the ‘chosen ones’ then you come from a long line of Gypsies, tramps and thieves, of rebels and revolutionaries, of pagans, infidels and sceptics. 

This is your heritage, and you have much to be proud of.”  

I happily found more precious tribe members when I started blogging in this space. 

Thank you to everyone that has made this such an amazing experience for Linda and I. We are grateful for what you have added to our lives.

Going forward into this perpetual state of emergency it is going to be important to know your tribe. 

Who are the people you can ride out these tumultuous times with together? That will enhance your surroundings with joy, music, dance, and laughter? 

Also, food and support when the going gets tough.

How is the search for your tribe going?