Dear Faithful Companion,

Today a new year dawns, and with it, the promise of untold possibilities. While many around the world eagerly leave the past year behind, burdened by disappointments or unfulfilled expectations, I find value in reflecting on its duality. Life is, after all, a balance: the highs complement the lows, and every challenge tempers us for what lies ahead.

For Jesse and me, 2024 was a year of transformation. Moving from Hamilton to Brampton meant leaving behind the comfort of familiar faces and routines, trading them for the adventure of new beginnings. Adjusting to a new city and neighborhood has brought its share of challenges, but it’s also been an opportunity to grow. Change, while often uncomfortable, is where life’s most meaningful progress is made. As Seneca reminds us, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

New Year’s always stirs a mix of emotions in me. I look back with a touch of regret for missed opportunities, unfinished goals, and connections left untended. Yet, I also feel excitement for the unknown road ahead. The turn of the calendar offers a clean slate to reset intentions, chart a course, and refine oneself. I think of it as my Roadmap to Renewal.

One tradition I hold dear is setting intentions for the year ahead. While I’ve found success in past years, I aspire to improve my focus and resilience, understanding that setbacks are part of the journey. The key lies in getting back on course and growing through the lessons learned.

This year, I aim to make journaling a consistent habit. In the past, I struggled with the purpose—wondering what to write, who might read it, or whether my words were “good enough.” I’ve since realized these concerns are irrelevant. Journaling is for me—a space to reflect, refine, and reconnect. To that end, I’ve adopted a new approach: a five-minute daily morning brain dump alongside thoughtful entries a few times a week. It may be messy at times, but in that mess lies clarity and growth.

Looking ahead, I’ve defined five pillars to guide my journey and growth in 2025:

• Fortifying My Mind and Body: Daily meditation, self-reflection, and fitness will be foundational. Cultivating mental and physical strength equips me to face life’s challenges with clarity and resilience. This might provide to be the hardest of the goals to achieve this year, its why I set it as my first.

• Mastering Knowledge and Perspective: Through regular reading and exploration, I aim to expand my understanding of the world and improve as a leader. My first book of the year is Ryan Holiday’s Courage is Calling, which opens with a powerful quote by Xenophon: “Let us not wait for other people to come to us and call upon us to do great deeds. Let us instead be the first to summon the rest to the path of honor.” This reminds me to lead with courage and purpose, setting an example for others.

• 3. Building a Legacy of Leadership: Authentic relationships and meaningful interactions are rare treasures. By prioritizing mentorship, genuine conversations, and positive interactions, I hope to leave a lasting impact on those I encounter. The “Go First” approach is essential to this process—it means stepping up, taking initiative, and leading by example, even when others may hesitate. Whether it’s initiating conversation, reaching out to others first, or being fully present when speaking, I aim to create connections built on openness and attentiveness. By offering my time, support, and vulnerability first, I foster a sense of trust and mutual respect. This approach encourages a deeper level of engagement, where leadership isn’t just about guiding others, but about showing up and actively contributing to the moment. By going first, I set the tone for others to do the same, cultivating a culture of authentic interaction and proactive leadership that leaves a legacy of meaningful connections.

• Championing Stewardship and Sustainability: This year, I am deepening my commitment to sustainable practices, striving to embrace a greener, more environmentally conscious lifestyle. I will actively seek out new ways to contribute to the preservation of our planet, no matter how small the action. By engaging in continuous learning and reflecting on how I can make a difference, I aim to press forward with a mindset focused on sustainability—doing my part to protect the earth, even if it's just for one more day. It’s about cultivating a lasting impact that transcends individual actions, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for the world we leave behind.

• Honing Relentless Self-Discipline: Discipline is not an inherent trait but a skill refined through consistent practice, introspection, and a willingness to improve. I sometimes find myself envious of friends who have mastered this art in their daily lives, and I aspire to cultivate it as a cornerstone of my own character. Drawing inspiration from the great Stoics and timeless philosophers, I aim to learn from their wisdom and incorporate their teachings on self-control and purpose. Through daily effort and reflection, I seek to sharpen my discipline, not as an isolated pursuit, but as a key part of living a purposeful and intentional life.

Of course, there are exciting travel plans for the year ahead, including both sun-soaked destinations and even a journey to Europe. Exploring the world and immersing ourselves in diverse cultures is something that Jesse and I deeply cherish. There’s a unique beauty in experiencing the vast wonders this planet offers, and I believe it’s something everyone should take the opportunity to do. You don’t need to venture to the farthest corners of the earth to appreciate its beauty—sometimes, it's just a short drive to discover a majestic site. But if the opportunity presents itself, it’s worth stepping beyond the familiar shores of our own country to see the world in all its splendor.

As the first chapter of 2025 begins, I welcome the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Growth, after all, is not a destination but a journey—a process of becoming.

Verbum Ultimum: “Let us live each day with the resolve of a man sharpening his blade—not for vanity, but for readiness, knowing that the storms will come and the strength we forge today will carry us through tomorrow.”

Until next we meet, with ink as my witness and virtue as my guide.
JCB