Chapter 1: Reflecting on the Past

The initiation of the latter half of my life begins now.

Photo by Jason Noffsinger

The image above serves as my usual profile picture on social media, a self-portrait captured back in August 2010. You might wonder why I’ve held onto this same image for over a decade. It’s a valid question that has recently crossed my mind.

I wouldn't say I’m particularly concerned with vanity, so it’s not simply a matter of fearing the visible signs of aging over the years. Instead, I've come to realize that this stagnation is what keeps me tethered to that old image. I genuinely feel that my creative journey has plateaued in recent years.

In 2010, after being laid off from my job, I experienced a brief yet fruitful period of creativity before I secured another position. Although it posed financial challenges, that time was the most artistically fulfilling of my career. Since then, I have continued to engage in creative endeavors, but there’s a distinct difference between creating for oneself and for others.

Looking ahead, I aspire to reclaim a sense of creative fulfillment and possibly break free from the constraints of my day job. Through the articles I share here, I intend to document my journey.

I will explore various subjects associated with mid-life transitions, such as creativity, writing, audience building, health, and financial management.

Additionally, I’ll delve into areas that captivate me personally, including photography, alternative social media channels, and embracing open-source software.

If any of these themes resonate with you, I warmly invite you to join me on this adventure. With a bit of luck, it won’t be long before I break free from stagnation and am ready to capture a fresh profile picture.

Chapter 2: The Path Forward

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