Instead of a laundry list of my 2025, I’ll share my most salient memory of the year, which represents the year pretty well -
✨ I’m clutching onto two thick cables on the side of a 50 degree granite rock face. I’ve done this ascent twice before, unremarkably. I’m really tired from the 3am wake-up and from eating a salad for dinner the night before 🤦🏻♀️. My arms are expending their full energy just holding on, let alone hauling me up another 500 feet. I peek past my feet at the sheer drop and certain death. I feel light-headed.
I notice that, perched on the edge of Half Dome, a very unfamiliar fear has taken the place that thrill and excitement used to occupy. This is far from the most dangerous thing I’ve done - checking the avalanche forecast used to be a daily winter routine. But all the reckless ski and bike crashes have permeated through my subconscious and I have one of those stark realizations that signifies a moment beyond a fleeting thought - that this is the last major physical risk I’ll take in my life. That thought gives me enough energy to haul myself up the rest of the way, without consequence. ✨
2025 has been quite comfortable all around, for that I am extremely grateful. I know I am happiest when I am taking risks and pursuing discomfort (i.e. running marathons, having hard conversations, trying to explain who pays for healthcare in America). In 2026, I’m excited to actively seek out more opportunities to take big risks, just ones that aren’t life-threatening.
(pictured: my very good friend Merty McGraw’s first (and probably last lol) time on the cables)
Originally posted on LinkedIn.