2024 Year-End Update: Reflecting on a Year of Blogging

Introduction: Reflecting on 2024 – A Year of Growth and Discovery

As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to pause and take stock of the journey—both the triumphs and the challenges. For this blog, 2024 has been a year of growth, experimentation, and deep reflection. From exploring complex topics like the mind-body connection to diving into the history of Thanksgiving, this space has become a laboratory of ideas and a repository of thoughts, evolving into something I’m proud to share with readers both old and new.

Looking back, it’s remarkable to see how far this blogging adventure has come. A decade ago, my posts were sporadic, scattered across months with little cohesion. This year, however, I’ve achieved something different: consistency. On average, I posted more than twice a week—a rhythm that has fostered not only discipline but also a sense of creative purpose.

This post isn’t just a highlight reel of the past year. It’s also a moment to reflect on the lessons learned and consider how these insights will shape the road ahead. From experimenting with writing styles to grappling with the challenges of creating engaging content, 2024 has been a year of both personal and creative growth.

Join me as I look back on this year’s milestones, explore the themes and stories that defined this space, and set intentions for the future of this blog. Whether you’ve been following along from the start or you’re a recent visitor, I’m glad you’re here to share in this journey of curiosity and discovery.

Consistency

One of the most gratifying aspects of this year has been the consistency with which I’ve maintained this blog. Averaging over two posts a week may not seem monumental, but compared to my earlier, more sporadic blogging years, it’s a significant achievement. A decade ago, my posts were few and far between—more a collection of occasional musings than a cohesive body of work. In 2024, I’ve established a rhythm that feels sustainable and rewarding. This consistency has allowed me to dive deeper into topics, craft more thoughtful pieces, and engage with readers more meaningfully.

Series and Themes

This year, I experimented with thematic series as a way to explore complex topics more comprehensively. Two standout examples were the mind-body problem series and the Thanksgiving history series. Initially, I had envisioned the mind-body posts as a single, in-depth exploration, but the sheer volume of research and ideas proved too unwieldy for one post. Breaking it into smaller, focused installments allowed me to delve deeper into specific facets of the topic without overwhelming readers—or myself. Later in the year, I applied lessons from this experience to the Thanksgiving series, ensuring better transitions and a clearer connection between posts. The result was a cohesive narrative where each installment stood on its own while contributing to the larger story. This approach proved not only effective in terms of readability but also rewarding creatively, as it allowed me to unpack intricate ideas and weave them into a more structured and engaging framework.

Experimenting with Post Length

This year also saw me grappling with the question of post length and how it affects reader engagement. Early on, I aimed to keep posts within the typical recommended length, mindful of the average attention span. This approach influenced the decision to break topics like the mind-body problem and Thanksgiving history into series, ensuring each post was digestible while still part of a broader narrative. Later in the year, however, I found myself writing much longer posts, particularly on complex subjects like AI and ethics. These pieces felt necessary to fully unpack the depth and nuance of the topic, even if they challenged the conventions of blogging best practices.

This raises an interesting tension: Should we cater to the convenience of accessibility, or should we, like treasure hunters, require readers to dig a little deeper for the wisdom they seek? There’s value in both approaches, and I find myself still navigating the balance. Moving forward, I’ll continue experimenting to see whether more frequent, shorter posts or fewer, longer ones better suit the topics I’m exploring—and, just as importantly, for you dear reader.

Experimentation and Growth

This year has been a journey of experimentation with my writing style and tone. Early in the year, I leaned into a more whimsical approach, aiming to infuse lightness and playfulness into my posts. While enjoyable, I found this style surprisingly challenging to sustain. Over time, my tone naturally shifted toward a more academic and serious style, which felt more aligned with my strengths but occasionally risked coming across as dry. Striking the right balance between clarity of thought and engaging prose remains a challenge, but it’s one I’m eager to tackle as I continue to refine my voice.

Another area for growth has been the integration of storytelling into my posts. When I’ve managed to include personal anecdotes or relatable narratives, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. These stories not only illustrate my points more vividly but also create a stronger connection with readers. Looking ahead, I’m committed to weaving more of these personal elements into my writing. By drawing on my own experiences, I hope to bring more warmth and relatability to the blog, enriching both the content and the reader’s experience.

Engagement and Feedback

Engaging with the blogging community has been a rewarding part of this year’s journey. Posts on topics like naturism and the Shroud of Turin particularly benefited from active interaction with readers and online communities. Sharing these pieces in dedicated forums and on platforms like Facebook and Discord opened up rich dialogues and brought a wider audience to the blog. Beyond the clicks and views, the feedback on these posts was invaluable, sparking conversations that deepened my understanding and challenged my perspectives.

One piece of advice I received from another blogger was to comment on others’ blogs to encourage reciprocal engagement. While this is often touted as a strategy to grow a following, my motivation goes deeper. I’m not monetizing this blog or chasing numbers; instead, I see engagement as a two-way street—a means of fostering genuine dialogue and mutual learning. Commenting thoughtfully on others’ posts allows me to participate in broader conversations, contributing meaningfully rather than shouting into the void.

Sometimes, when a topic resonates deeply, I’ve taken the extra step of expanding my comment into a post on my own blog, linking back to the original. This approach not only enriches the discussion but also highlights and supports the work of other bloggers. It turns isolated exchanges into ongoing dialogues, transforming blogging from a solitary pursuit into a collaborative intellectual journey.

Looking ahead, I hope to deepen these connections. Building meaningful conversations with readers and fellow writers is not just an exercise in community—it’s essential to cultivating an intellectual life. By seeking and engaging with diverse viewpoints, I believe we all stand to grow, refine our ideas, and discover new paths of thought.

Challenges on Format

One of the ongoing challenges this year has been mastering the presentation of my blog content. As a visual learner, I naturally gravitate toward dividing text into clear sections with headings, subheadings, and bulleted lists. This format makes information easier to process and is especially helpful for readers skimming for key points. However, I’ve noticed that over-reliance on these structures can make posts feel fragmented, disrupting the narrative flow. Striking the right balance between visual clarity and seamless readability is a goal I’ll continue to work on, focusing on smoother transitions that connect ideas without losing the structure I find so effective.

Another lesson has been navigating the tension between depth and accessibility. My aim has always been to write with clarity and rigor, ensuring that my ideas are well-articulated and thoughtfully examined. Yet, in striving for clarity, I sometimes risk veering into overly formal or dense prose, which can be less engaging for readers. On the flip side, simplifying ideas too much can feel like compromising on the richness of thought. Balancing these competing demands—presenting ideas in a way that is both intellectually satisfying and inviting to readers—remains one of the central challenges of this blog. It’s a tension I welcome, as it drives me to refine not just my writing but also my ability to communicate ideas effectively.

Personal Reflections

Blogging this year has been an exercise in both purpose and introspection. One of my original motivations was knowledge transfer—documenting insights and reflections for my family, creating a legacy of thoughts and lessons that might otherwise be lost. Yet, as the year has gone on, I’ve found myself questioning whether that remains the central focus. Is it truly about passing on knowledge, or has this space become more of a practice ground for honing my writing and clarifying my thoughts? Perhaps it’s both, and perhaps I’m overthinking it. What I do know is that the act of writing itself brings immense satisfaction, and sharing these insights with a wider audience adds a sense of connection and purpose that continues to inspire me.

This year has also underscored the joy of diving deep into research on topics that ignite curiosity. This is part of what I miss from being in school. Revisiting the Shroud of Turin, for example, not only allowed me to refine my earlier academic work but also introduced me to new findings and sparked fresh discussions. Similarly, my exploration of ethical dilemmas in AI opened doors to complex questions about humanity’s relationship with technology and the moral frameworks we bring to it. These deep dives remind me of why I started blogging: to follow the threads of curiosity wherever they lead and to share what I find with those who might benefit from the journey.

Ultimately, blogging is a practice of reflection, discovery, and connection. It’s a way to make sense of the swirling thoughts and ideas that populate my mind, to explore them in greater depth, and to share that exploration with others. Whether for my children, my readers, or simply myself, the act of writing remains a deeply fulfilling endeavor that I hope to continue for years to come.

The Tools I Use

As you may know, I don’t follow the so-called “rules” of blogging. I’m not chasing likes or trying to game algorithms, although I deeply appreciate the support and engagement I receive—it reminds me that I might be making a difference. While many bloggers shy away from revealing the behind-the-scenes details, treating their process as proprietary knowledge, I prefer to share the tools I use. Transparency is important to me, and if these tools can help even one person in their own creative journey, I’m happy to share. (Just a note: I receive no compensation for mentioning these products and this is not an endorsement, merely a personal insight.)

Core Writing and Blogging Tools

WordPress: The backbone of my blog, where thoughts and ideas are shaped into posts and shared with the world.
Microsoft Word and OneNote: For drafting, organizing, and storing ideas. OneNote, in particular, houses decades’ worth of my notes and thoughts, serving as a treasure trove of potential blog material.
OneDrive: A reliable way to keep everything synchronized and accessible across devices.

Refining and Crafting Content

Building Great Sentences (The Great Courses): This course has been instrumental in helping me think about the flow and impact of my writing. It’s a reminder that great writing is often built one sentence at a time.
Grammarly and Copilot: These tools assist with grammar, syntax, and overall clarity. While not perfect, they’re helpful for catching small errors and improving readability. Copilot has also made research much more efficient.

Technology for Drafting and Editing

Voice Recorder and TurboScribe: Sometimes, recording my thoughts is the fastest way to get ideas down. Transcription tools like TurboScribe help turn spoken words into written text, speeding up the drafting process.
ChatGPT: A relatively new addition to my toolkit, I’ve found ChatGPT invaluable for generating outlines, checking for biases, and drafting content. It’s not perfect—sometimes it veers off course—but it often provides a fresh perspective or a starting point that saves time.

These tools are part of an evolving process that blends technology with creativity. They help me streamline my workflow, focus on the content itself, and bring ideas to life. If you’re a fellow blogger or writer, I hope sharing these tools inspires you to explore new ways to enhance your own process. Blogging is as much about the journey as the final post, and the right tools can make that journey both efficient and enjoyable.

Looking Ahead

As I look to the future of this blog, I’m excited to build on the momentum of this past year while exploring new directions and refining the experience for readers.

Plans for Content

My archive of notes remains a rich source of inspiration, with tens of thousands of entries waiting to be fleshed out into thoughtful posts. Tapping into this reservoir will continue to shape the variety and depth of the blog. Additionally, I’d like to experiment with more interactive and multimedia elements, such as graphs, embedded videos, or visual representations of concepts. These enhancements could help convey complex ideas more effectively while keeping the content engaging and accessible.

Continuous Improvement

Writing is an ever-evolving craft, and I plan to keep experimenting with formats and strategies to better engage readers. Tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT will remain key allies in refining my content, ensuring it’s polished and clear. Beyond that, I aim to explore different approaches to storytelling, structure, and audience interaction to discover what resonates best with readers.

Maintaining Focus

One commitment I hold firmly is to maintain the current pace of posting while staying true to the blog’s mission. This space is about exploration and thoughtful discourse, and every post should reflect those values. Quality will always take precedence over quantity, as I continue to prioritize depth and authenticity in my writing.

Improving Navigation

A key goal for the coming year is to enhance the blog’s navigation and design. Currently, I use a simple layout, but I recognize that it doesn’t help readers easily discover related content. Creating a better menu system and organizing posts by themes or categories could make a significant difference. Topics like “Ethics and Philosophy,” “Historical Mysteries,” “Personal Growth,” or “Faith and Spirituality” might be logical starting points for structuring the blog. While I’m no WordPress expert, I’m confident that with some research and effort, I can create a more user-friendly experience that invites deeper exploration.

With these plans in place, I’m looking forward to another year of growth, creativity, and connection. This blog continues to be a journey—a place where I can share ideas, learn from others, and explore the intricate tapestry of human experience. I’m eager to see where the road leads next and to bring you along for the ride.

Conclusion

As I reflect on the past year of blogging, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to you, my readers. Your engagement, feedback, and support have been invaluable, turning this blog into more than just a personal project—it has become a shared space for ideas, exploration, and connection. Whether you’ve been with me from the beginning or recently discovered this corner of the internet, thank you for being part of this journey.

This blog remains dedicated to its mission: a space for thoughtful discourse, curiosity, and reflection. It’s a place to explore the profound and the mundane, to dive deep into ideas, and to view the world from fresh perspectives. That mission is as important to me now as it was when I first began, and it’s your involvement that keeps it alive.

As we move forward, I’d love to hear from you. What are your thoughts, dear reader? Are there topics you’d like to see explored? Ideas you’d like to share? Blogging is a conversation, not a monologue, and your voice is a vital part of this space. Let’s continue to grow together, embracing the twists and turns of this intellectual and creative journey.

For those with a keen eye, you may have noticed that I enjoy leaving Easter eggs and subtle clues woven into my posts—riddles and hidden gems for the observant reader—and I plan to include even more of these treasures in the year ahead.

Here’s to another year of exploration, discovery, and dialogue. Thank you for being here. Let’s see where the road leads next!

Excerpt

Reflecting on a year of growth, experimentation, and connection, this post revisits blogging highlights, lessons learned, and plans for the future. From thematic deep dives to enhancing engagement, it’s a celebration of curiosity and creativity. Join me in exploring what’s next for this journey of thoughtful exploration and shared ideas.

Treasures of the Elysian Fields