As the new year rolls on, it’s hard to believe it’s already February. January flew by, especially with my deep dive into video editing. To celebrate my husband’s 60th birthday, we equipped ourselves with a full set of video and camera gear to document our travels through national parks and nature. This experience sparked my interest in video editing. Although my progress wasn’t as fast as I’d hoped—especially when learning new software and tools—it’s been an exciting journey, opening my eyes to new technologies.

Now, as February begins, I find myself reflecting on what I want from this year and beyond—how to live with more meaning, happiness, relaxation, and productivity. I’ve been working on my YouTube channel, which continues to be a fun way to express myself and document my journey. It’s a time-consuming but fulfilling pursuit and a great outlet for my creative energy.

Learning new things has been a central theme in my life, especially since turning 50. I’ve embraced continuous learning, not necessarily for immediate financial gain, but for the mental strength and self-satisfaction it brings. Staying engaged with younger generations through technology and knowledge keeps me feeling connected and energized.

This morning, I asked ChatGPT for book recommendations to help me refocus, improve my energy, set clear goals, and stay calm and productive in the months ahead. The list included several well-known titles, and while I’m not the most avid reader, "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant" by Eric Jorgenson caught my eye. I was excited to learn that the book is available for free online and decided to dive in. I haven’t finished it yet, but I already know I’ll complete it today. It’s incredibly insightful and feels like exactly what I need right now. I’ve come across some of Naval Ravikant’s ideas before, but reading them in depth has given me new perspectives to explore.

Two Key Takeaways That Stood Out to Me

1. Social Media Algorithms Shape Our Reality Platforms like Google, YouTube, and Instagram create personalized content bubbles based on our search habits. For instance, if I look up topics related to AI, automation, or software, my feeds are flooded with more of the same. While this is useful, it can also be limiting, making it harder to discover fresh ideas outside my usual interests. Thankfully, tools like ChatGPT and Gemini allow me to break out of these patterns, sparking new conversations and exposing me to different perspectives.

2. The Power of Intentional Reflection Life gets busy, but setting aside even an hour or two a week to reflect and brainstorm can make a huge difference in clarifying goals and direction. Taking time for meaningful activities—like reading, journaling, or simply thinking—helps bring clarity and focus to what truly matters.

I’m really glad I picked up "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant", which explores wealth and happiness—two things we all strive for in different ways. While no single book holds all the answers, I believe that by staying curious, taking action, and refining my goals, 2025 will be a year of growth.

If you’re interested in reading the book, it’s available as a free ebook