Living Well as a Practice

Each December as the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting not just on where I’ve been during the past twelve months, but more importantly, on where I want to go during the next twelve. The past few years have brought unprecedented changes to how we live, work, and connect. I’ll be honest, I struggled this past year through a lot of it. I know I’m not alone in this admission.

Through it all, one truth has become increasingly clear to me: the quality of our lives isn’t measured in grand gestures or accomplishments, but in the small, intentional choices we make each day.

For 2025, I’m approaching my intentions with this notion in mind. Instead of a scattered list of resolutions, I’m focusing on a single theme: Living Well. This isn’t about perfection or hitting arbitrary numbers (though I’ve included some specific targets to keep myself honest). It’s about building a framework that feels both purposeful and sustainable.

My framework breaks down into four key areas, each with specific, measurable objectives that support the broader goal of living well:

Get Stronger

First, I’m focusing on getting stronger—both physically and mentally. On the physical side, I’ve set a few concrete goals:

  • achieving 100 good-form pushups in one rep
  • doing 25 proper pull-ups in one rep
  • advancing my bouldering ability from V2 to V4/V5
  • bikepacking the GAP & C&O trails from Pittsburgh to DC

These aren’t just about numbers; they’re about building a resilient body that can keep up with my adventures and ambitions.

Mental strength is equally crucial. After noticing how much time I spend mindlessly consuming content, I’m committing to two daily practices:

  • dedicated time for reading actual books (not just snippets and headlines)
  • actively catching myself when I fall into the doomscrolling trap

It’s about quality of attention rather than quantity of information.

Eat Low to the Ground

The second pillar focuses on nourishment—specifically, eating “low to the ground.” This means prioritizing whole foods and reducing processed ingredients. This isn’t about strict rules or elimination diets, but rather making conscious choices about what I put into my body. The goal is to make whole, minimally-processed foods the default rather than the exception.

Prioritize Quality

Quality is my third focus area, extending beyond just food choices. I’m being more intentional about the media I consume and the things I bring into my life. This means fewer impulse purchases, more thoughtful choices about what I read and watch, and a general shift toward “fewer, better things.” It’s about creating space for what truly matters by being selective about what gets my time and attention.

Actively Cultivate Relationships

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I’m prioritizing relationships. The pandemic showed us all how easily connections can fray without active maintenance. I’m setting up regular check-ins with friends and family—not just through texts and social media, but through actual calls and in-person visits. These won’t be relegated to “when I have time” but will be treated as non-negotiable appointments with the people who matter most.

These objectives aren’t just items to check off a list; they’re guideposts for getting more intentional and aligned with my values. Some days I’ll hit all the marks, others I won’t—and that’s okay. The point isn’t perfection, but progression. And practice. Living well isn’t about dramatic transformations but about small, consistent choices that add up over time.

Thanks so much for reading and supporting this site in 2024. Your readership is important to me.