Warning - As seen on the Super Hiking Trail

Another year is in the books. I initially set out to do one of my typical year end reviews with my favorite features photos, experiences, etc. When I started reviewing images to refresh my memory on all that had occurred in 2025, a few things struck me.

First, my photographic style is changing. Maybe it hasn’t changed, but what I value and what I cherish has changed. In years past I valued the photographs that stood out, had the right composition, colors, light, etc. This year, I value the rich experiences of everyday life and those images showing my family and friends. These images are primarily for me. Examples from the year are my brothers and sisters sitting around a kitchen table, pictures of my kids with their partners, an evening in my brother & sister in law’s bar, our daughter driving away to move to Oregon for grad school, tiny & fun moments with my wife, a gathering of friends on bikes, etc. I have way more pictures of these moments in 2025.

Another theme for the year was the loss of my mom early in 2025 and the profound impact that has had on me. This may sound strange, but even though it may have been expected, the how and when I experience grief is much different than what I expected. The grief came in little moments when I least expected it.

One last theme that did not show up in pictures, but did influence my year was starting a new job in a new industry. The early parts of 2025 were spent learning and re establishing myself in the professional world. That took much of time and energy. It was intentional, but it impacted a lot of my personal time around both mental & physical fitness as well as my passion for creativity.

As I pondered all this and spent time thinking about the year, I was reminded of some reading and thought about life, or growth, near or at the edges. The idea is that learning and growth don’t occur in the middle or in the comfortable. The occur in the uncomfortable. They occur near the edges. Where there is a potential danger, fear, potential loss, a little excitement, there is also the possibility of incredible joy, beauty and personal growth.

Moving forward, this is something that I want to continually remind myself of. I can only speak for myself, but as I age and as my body and mind push back on somethings and some ideas. Comfort, or being comfortable, is often in battle with movement, with challenge and with growth. I read something recently that comfort is the killer of joy. Looking back at my year, I am thankful that I didn’t just sit back and stay in my comfort zone. To be clear though, even though I pushed myself in 2025, I also gave into comfort. For me, this is a constant battle. A battle I hope to continue to win in 2026.

And that’s a wrap. I think 2026 is going to be a big year for me and my family. I hope it is for each of you too. Thanks for following along. Here’s to the little moments of 2025 and the big things to come in 2026. Cheers.

Living Near the Edge(s)

Bikes of 2025