This Is Water
You get to consciously decide what has meaning and what doesn't.
Let the 2025 writing journey begin! While most of what you'll read from me consists of my own thoughts, perspectives, and ideas, I must start this writing journey by sharing something I discovered during my holiday break.
As I was scrolling through various newsletters, blogs, and articles, I came across an unexpected gem. David Foster Wallace delivered a commencement speech to the graduating class of 2005 at Kenyon College, which was later published as a book titled "This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life."
The speech emphasizes the importance of managing and understanding our core human instincts rather than trying to remove them. Wallace begins his speech by referencing a parable about two young fish who are unaware of the water they swim in, illustrating that the most obvious realities are often the hardest to see and talk about.
My ask is that you either listen to this speech or read the transcript. For those with short attention spans like me, feel free to play it at 1.25 or speed read through the transcript OR check out the 5 minute abbreviated version HERE. Regardless, set aside that time today or sometime this week and consider this your pep talk for the start of of meaningful and purposeful 2025.
As we embark on the first day of the new year, let us recognize that this……… is……. life. Whatever happens today—good or bad, easy or hard—is life itself. Do not take it for granted. The new year…..it is happening….right now. 2025 isn’t waiting for you to begin with some future job, relationship, amount of money, or success. You're already in it (give or take 15 hours pending when you read this). This “new year” is happening right now, all around you. Let’s begin!
This Is Water by David Foster Wallace