Every year, I carve out time to reflect on the past 12 months. It’s not just about remembering what happened but understanding why it mattered. For over 12 years, I’ve journaled about every single day. This habit has become my anchor, helping me navigate life with clarity and purpose.
I started the habit when I started living my life out of carry on luggage—you can watch my 12-year anniversary Q&A here
Journaling lets me celebrate my wins and confront my struggles. It reveals patterns I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise and forces me to slow down and feel my life as it unfolds. Flipping back through old entries brings a wave of gratitude—it’s a reminder of how much I’ve grown and how much I’ve endured. Even the “mundane” moments carry weight when viewed through the lens of time.
This practice doesn’t need to be complicated. A notebook, a pen, and a few honest sentences each day can become your most powerful tool for self-awareness. If you’re unsure where to start, just write one thought, one feeling, or one moment from your day. Over time, those small entries become a rich tapestry of your life—a guidebook for your future self.
Through journaling, I’ve learned that success isn’t just in big achievements but in small, consistent steps. It’s in noticing how emotions shift, how thoughts shape actions, and how certain patterns repeat. That awareness is where real transformation begins.
If I could suggest one habit for anyone seeking clarity and growth, it’s this: start journaling. Let your words be messy and honest. Over time, you’ll uncover lessons, patterns, and gratitude in places you never expected. Your journal will become the most meaningful story you’ll ever read—your own.
You can sign up here to get my favorite prompt for starting your own consistent journaling habit.
2024 was a year of grounding and unearthing, filled with deep connections, discomfort, and breakthroughs. As I step into 2025, I’m ready to release old identities and embrace the next chapter.
This post is a highlight reel that tries to include the real, the random, the gritty, and the beautiful.
A Random Reflection of 2024 in Numbers


Top 3 Highlights from 2024: Moments That Shaped Me
1) Blazing Swan: A Return to the Wild
Flying from Bali to Perth felt like crossing a threshold into another realm. Steve—one of my childhood best friends—greeted me with open arms. His wife, Olga, and their son, Lenny, instantly folded me into their warm family rhythm. Lenny calling me "Uncle Dave" tugged at my heartstrings. We scavenged op-shops for Blaze gear, cackling as we pieced together outfits for the dusty adventure ahead.
The drive out to Blazing Swan with Olga was a quiet pilgrimage. The landscape stretched endlessly, as we shared tender parts of our lives. Listening to each other and holding space for the full range of emotions emerging. We drove through that vast wilderness towards the Blaze, both lighter for it.
Arriving back, the words “Welcome Home” greeted me. It was my return after a five-year absence, and seeing familiar faces and camps felt like stepping into a dream I hadn’t realized I missed. I re-joined Kamp Koasis, raising tents and sharing beers, laughter blending with the hammering of stakes. Dre & Luci—both vibrant yet somehow grounded—were there, running things, their energies a steady anchor to build out this (k)Oasis in the swirling festival chaos.
Black Lagoon became my morning sanctuary. Coffee in hand, journal open, I let the desert wake with me. One morning, Q appeared—a serendipitous meeting that felt anything but random. Our conversations about heartbreak and healing felt like echoes from another life. I guided her through a mindfulness exercise, and tears welled in her eyes. We kept crossing paths, as if the festival itself conspired to weave us closer. That connection carried beyond Blaze—Q would later visit me in Bali, deepening a bond that started in the dust.
Paula was another spark in the wild. We danced, laughed, and when the main effigy burned, I stood beside her, the flames reflecting our shared excitement. That energy followed us to Bali as well, where our connection continued around rice paddies and scooter rides.
Blazing Swan pulsed with color and sound. Funky beats at Funkazba, and delicious beats that touched the deepest parts of my soul at God Said No, spontaneous workshops, wild costumes, and unexpected conversations turned every moment into magic. Exploring with the Koasis Krew—each connection a thread in the intricate tapestry of the festival.
Without physical gifts to offer, I leaned into presence. After watching an artist perform on stage, I offered my first gift—the gift of a genuine compliment—no expectation, no need to return it, just receiving. Their tears spoke of the power in simply being seen.
And then, a letter. Delivered by Blaze’s epic postal system, Steve’s handwritten words caught me off-guard. I sat amidst the chaos, letting his love wash over me. That moment grounded me in profound gratitude.
The temple burn was sacred. Standing with Q, we watched flames consume the structure, releasing pain and honoring the past. A stark contrast to the celebratory main burn—this was a quiet surrender, a collective exhale.
Packing down Koasis was bittersweet. Steve and I shared deep conversations on the ride back after working with everyone to pack mostly everything into two shipping containers in what can only be explained as “Koasis Tetris”, the open road mirroring the openness in our dialogue as two old friends got some deep 1-on-1 time together.
Fremantle welcomed me softly—beers at Clancy’s, playful moments with Lenny, sunset bike rides with brontosaurus clouds, reconnecting with the Blaze crew. It felt like the perfect landing after an otherworldly journey.
Blazing Swan wasn’t just a festival—it was a portal. A return to self, to community, to the sacred dance between joy and release. It reminded me that sometimes, the greatest gift is simply showing up, fully and unapologetically.







2) Coming Home: A Month in the U.S.
Returning to the U.S. after spending so much time abroad always feels like stepping into a parallel life. Reuniting with my brother and sister-in-law and finally getting to hold my newborn niece, was profoundly moving.
Arriving in my parent’s new house after they relocated to Novato to be closer to my brother and the new baby stirred complex emotions. While their love and efforts to include me never faltered, I couldn’t ignore the ache of feeling physically distant from the family I love so much.
That longing for closeness clashed with the reality of the life I’ve built abroad. Their new home felt warm and inviting, a space filled with sunlight, nature, and the quiet rhythm of family life. Yet, I was merely visiting.
During this time, I met a beautiful soul—a meeting that felt serendipitous and transformative. Our connection was immediate, electric. Conversations flowed, laughter came easily, and our chemistry was undeniable. We explored vulnerability and intimacy in ways that felt both exhilarating and grounding, creating a bond that felt like it had been waiting to happen.
My trip also led me back to Albuquerque for my 20-year high school reunion—a surreal journey into my past. Faces from the past, once familiar, carried stories of growth and change. It was strange and comforting to reconnect, sharing laughs and memories, realizing how much we’ve all evolved. Reflecting on the paths we’d each taken, I couldn’t help but feel a deep gratitude for the winding road that brought me here.
This trip home stirred a longing—to be closer to family, to nurture relationships that have weathered time and distance. It was a reminder that while I’ve built a life abroad, home still holds pieces of me that deserve tending.



3) A Bali Christmas: Community, Connection, and Comfort
Christmas in Bali wasn’t something I expected to feel magical, but this year, it unfolded in ways that surprised me. Far from the frosted windows and pine-scented traditions of home, this was a Christmas wrapped in tropical warmth, vibrant community, and unexpected moments of deep connection.
Anurasa, the heart behind it all, orchestrated this gathering with an infectious enthusiasm. At first, I felt a bit resistant to the effort—hauling two ovens up to the mountains of Bali, setting up a full Christmas tree with decorations, and organizing a Secret Santa celebration. It felt like a lot. But leaning into it turned out to be the best decision. The effort transformed the space into something magical.
Will and I took to the kitchen, cooking up Pad Thai for our first dinner together. Colin’s homemade eggnog and perfectly golden French toast warmed our mornings. Mariam’s shakshuka was a vibrant, savory gift to the table. Talis led us through a cacao ceremony, grounding us in gratitude and connection.
The entire group came together to create a stunning roasted chicken and stuffing dinner with all the fixings. It felt like a true family effort, each of us contributing to make the meal special. Some shared that Christmas wasn’t something they had grown up celebrating, making the experience even more meaningful as we created memories together.
We lit up the night with fireworks and danced under the stars, sparklers in hand, laughter and music weaving through the air. The Christmas room became a sanctuary for stories and laughter. We shared how we each experienced the holidays growing up—some stories light and funny, others tinged with loneliness or longing. The Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments both beautiful and quirky, stood as a symbol of the collective effort to create something joyful as we opened gifts together..
In this corner of the world, surrounded by lush greenery and soulful people, I rediscovered the true essence of the holidays: connection, generosity, and the quiet comfort of being accepted exactly as you are.
We were all far from home, yet completely at home with each other.




7 of My Favorite Small, but Personal Moments from 2024
1) Got Caught Mid-Squat...Naked
I started my day with a visualization before heading to a nude beach to catch sunrise. Floating nude in the ocean, I meditated and exercised freely, laughing when a passerby caught me mid-squat. My anxiety surfaced as I danced out my emotions, feeling self-conscious but still leaning into the release. That moment, blending humor and vulnerability, felt like a quiet rebellion and a soft homecoming to myself.
2) Reconnecting with Play
I took a microdose setting an intention to reconnect with play and my inner power—asking for gentleness in that process. Sitting at a cafe, journaling, I felt waves of emotion wash over me, inspired to turn my words into a poem.
Later, I wandered barefoot through a jungle, marveling at the beauty surrounding me. Lying on the ground, music in my ears, tears came as I felt deeply at home within myself. The day ended perfectly at friend's housewarming, filled with meaningful conversations, a spontaneous cuddle puddle, and guiding friends through one of my favorite exercises as the rain fall outside felt profound.

3) My Little Brother Becomes a Dad
Watching my little brother step into fatherhood and me becoming an uncle. Holding baby Joni for the first time brought tears to my eyes. It was a reminder of the cycles of life, the quiet gravity of family, and how much I miss being physically closer to them.
4) No Need to Rush
On my way to my scooter, I noticed a single frangipani flower and fallen from the tree and landed on the seat. It felt like a personal message from the universe, urging me to slow down and savor life.
I stood there, tears quietly rising, struck by how perfectly timed this small moment was after the deep conversation I had with a friend the night before around the question “We’re all headed for the same outcome in this life, why do I constantly find myself racing towards it?”

5) A Vulnerable First In-Person Workshop
The day of my first in person workshop arrived, and so did my vulnerability. Fear gnawed at me—fear of abandonment, failure, and being unloved. I felt exposed as I prepared, but a few friends showed up. Their support, quiet but powerful, wrapped around me. Despite my fears, I led the workshop. I was proud, deeply proud. I could feel the edge of growth pressing against me, and I leaned in.
6) Chumbawumba Transporting Me Back to Childhood
Exchanging old songs from our past with a woman led me to tell my dad about playing Chumbawumba for her. His response? He put on the album, bobbing his head like he did during my childhood car rides to school. Watching him, I was overwhelmed by the impermanence of life. Tears fell as I realized how these simple moments with him are quietly counting down. The weight of time pressed gently but firmly on my heart.
7) How Much Can I Receive?
Sifting through testimonials from clients, I felt a deep sense of pride. I do make a difference in people’s lives. That recognition settled in, grounding me. Later, on a call with my dad, he told me how proud he was of me. My instinct was to deflect, but I caught it. I paused, let his words touch me. This was something I’d longed to hear, and in receiving it fully, I felt a long-held breathe release. I told him how great of a father he is—an exchange I’ll never forget.
Community and Connection: The People Who Shaped My Year
If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that we don’t walk this path alone. The connections I made and deepened this year became the framework that held me steady, challenged me, and pushed me to grow. Some relationships were light and playful, others intense and painful, yet transformational—they all left their mark.
There were moments of deep vulnerability where I let people see more of me than ever before. Moments where I offered my presence and space for others to be seen. These exchanges—some fleeting, some lasting—built a sense of belonging I didn’t know I was craving.
To those who stood beside me, cheered for me, challenged me, triggered me, or simply held space for me to be—thank you. You showed me the power of genuine connection, of showing up for one another without needing anything in return. You reminded me that home isn’t always a place; sometimes it’s the people who see and accept us.
The communities I found myself in this year—whether at festivals, through work, in friendships, or chance encounters—became mirrors reflecting both my light and shadow. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
7 of My Biggest Challenges in 2024
Reflecting on the year, some of my most profound growth came from facing my biggest challenges. These moments of discomfort, self-reflection, and vulnerability became the greatest teachers.
1) The Weight of Rejection and People-Pleasing
One recurring challenge this year was navigating rejection and my deep-rooted tendency to people-please. I often found myself overextending, bending to meet others' desires, and feeling crushed when I couldn’t.
This pattern attracted relationships where my boundaries were tested, forcing me to confront how uncomfortable I felt disappointing others. I had to learn that saying "no" is not a rejection of love but an affirmation of my own needs. The people who value me will honor my boundaries, not punish me for them.
2) Struggling to Receive Pleasure Fully
There were moments where pleasure was available to me, yet I resisted it. Whether it was accepting compliments, enjoying rest, or savoring joy, I felt this subtle block—a need to earn pleasure.
This resistance often felt irrational, like I didn’t deserve ease or enjoyment unless I worked for it. I began practicing allowing myself to simply receive, to let good things in without strings attached. This remains a work in progress, but each moment of acceptance chipped away at this barrier.
3) Being Seen in My Imperfections
Dance was a big teacher this year. I wanted to sink deeper into dance communities, but the vulnerability of being seen in my imperfect, unpolished movements stirred a lot of self-consciousness. I wrestled with thoughts like, "Will they judge me?" or "Do I belong here?" Learning to dance anyway—to be visible in my messiness—became a powerful practice of self-acceptance.
4) Speaking Up for My Desires
Speaking up for what I want has always been hard, especially when the risk of rejection or humiliation looms. This year, I leaned into expressing my desires, even when it felt terrifying.
I learned that asking for what I need is not selfish, and even when the answer was "no," it didn’t diminish my worth. Each small act of self-expression built a stronger foundation of confidence.
5) Sabotaging Ease and Success
There’s a part of me that believes success should be hard. That struggle validates achievement. This belief led me to sabotage moments when things felt "too easy." If something didn’t come with struggle, I questioned if I deserved it. Recognizing this pattern allowed me to begin shifting it. I’m learning that ease can coexist with success and that not everything has to be a grind.
6) Money and Self-Worth
Another deep-rooted challenge was tying my self-worth to financial success. I set a goal to hit a $10k month with my journaling business, and falling short felt like personal failure. I know I’m being hard on myself, but it’s hard not to internalize it. I’m realizing that my worth is not measured by my income. This year, I began exploring other forms of success—impact, fulfillment, and alignment—beyond just money.
7) Learning to Release Control
At the core of many of these challenges was the need to control outcomes—to manipulate situations so I could feel safe, valued, and important. This year asked me to loosen that grip, to trust that I am enough without constantly proving it. Letting go of control feels like stepping off a ledge, but every time I’ve done it, I’ve been caught by something better than I could have orchestrated.
In facing these challenges, I grew stronger, softer, and more honest with myself. I didn’t conquer all of them, but I faced them—and that’s enough for now.
What I Let Go of in 2024
This was burned during my New Year’s Eve ceremony.

Top 3 Themes of 2024
1) Exploration of Masculinity and Presence - Across the year, I deepened my understanding of light and dark masculine energies, expressed through tantric practices, relationships, and dance.
2) Connection and Vulnerability - Relationships reflected a focus on emotional depth, authenticity, and alignment in my personal life.
3) Ambition and Personal Growth - From launching professional projects to navigating financial fears, 2024 was a year of pursuing mastery and embracing the discomfort of growth.
Top 3 Focuses for 2024
1) Cultivating Intimate Relationships - Building meaningful connections was central—working to deepen trust, set boundaries, and align on shared visions.
2) Mastery of Movement and Expression - Dance and embodied practices were consistent focuses, with progress in Bachata, Kizomba, and Contact Improv reflecting my commitment to creative growth.
3) Building Professional Success - Through webinars, courses, and personal development—there was a consistent focus on working toward achieving my professional goals.
My Top 5 Lessons of 2024
Pleasure is a Practice, Not a Prize.
Slow down and savor—joy doesn’t need to be earned.
Ask Boldly, Receive Gracefully.
Rejection isn’t a reflection of worth—asking unlocks opportunities.
Power is Meant to Be Unleashed, Not Contained.
Power can disrupt, command, and create—let it.
My Body Knows Before the Mind Does.
My body holds wisdom my mind fears—listening to it has led me closer to authenticity than overthinking ever has.
Vulnerable Honesty is a Magnet for True Connection
Speaking plainly scares some and draws in others—that’s exactly the point.
2024 Intentions vs. What Actually Happened
Word for the Year: Home
In choosing "Home" as my guiding word for 2024, I envisioned deeper community, romantic connection, purposeful work, and grounding routines. Looking back, I see how powerfully this intention shaped my year. I deepened my roots in Bali, embraced vibrant dance spaces, and even toyed with partnering with a dance studio.
Blazing Swan reintroduced me to community living, and my time with friends and family rekindled a longing for shared spaces and stirred reflections on what home means.
And within myself, I built resilience—setting boundaries, trusting my voice, and choosing my well-being.
Freestanding Handstand Pushup: I made remarkable progress, even hitting a freestanding pushup on two yoga blocks. Injury paused the journey, but it fueled my resolve.
One-Armed Chin-Up: This goal remains elusive, though I built notable strength. To achieve it, I need to lean into both muscle gain and weight reduction—a dance between strength and agility.
$10k Month with Journaling Business: This goal humbled me. Though I didn’t reach $10k, I clarified my offer, gained clients, and better understood how to share my work. The frustration is real, but I’m learning not to pedestal money as the sole metric of success.
What Brought Me the Most Joy in 2024
When I reflect on the moments that brought me the deepest joy in 2024, it wasn’t the big milestones or grand achievements. It was the quiet, personal, and deeply human experiences that filled me with warmth, wonder, and connection. These were the moments that caught me off guard, cracked me open, and reminded me what it feels like to be fully alive.
The Joy of Community and Shared Experience
Blazing Swan was a massive highlight, but beyond the spectacle, it was the small, human connections that filled me with joy. Sitting in the dusty embrace of the Koasis camp, sharing beers after long hours of building, laughing about nothing and everything, and feeling the pulse of the music under my feet. It was dancing wildly under the stars, feeling sweat and dust cling to my skin, and knowing I was exactly where I needed to be.
The spontaneous conversations felt like lifelines to deeper understanding and shared humanity. Those chance encounters turned into soul-stirring connections, reminding me how powerful it is to simply show up and be present.
Family Moments That Brought Me Home
Meeting my niece for the first time was a moment that cracked my heart wide open. Holding her, feeling the fragility and promise of new life, and watching my brother step into fatherhood—these moments were layered with so much love and gratitude. It stirred something deeper in me, especially witnessing my parents move closer to my brother and his growing family.
The Stillness of Solo Moments
Joy also found me in the quiet spaces. Spaces like floating nude at Zen Beach during sunrise, feeling the cool water hold me as the sun crept over the horizon. There was something freeing and childlike in moments like these—an invitation to let go of self-consciousness and just be.
Moments of Pride and Accomplishment
Reflecting on 2024, I am deeply proud of the progress I made in my business. Experimenting with 1-on-1 sessions allowed me to explore impactful exercises like the genuine compliment practice, the song and dance of grief, and emotional release techniques. Watching how these tools helped others heal and grow reminded me of my purpose.
In fitness, hitting a 50kg bodyweight dip and progressing to a freestanding handstand push-up on two yoga blocks was a testament to my discipline. These victories proved I could push beyond mental and physical barriers.
Most importantly, I’m proud of how I expanded my capacity for pleasure and rejection. Whether it was launching four webinars, running an in-person workshop, navigating romantic relationships, or stepping into new dance spaces, I stayed true to myself. I showed up, faced discomfort, and kept going.
I am proud of the man I became in 2024—resilient, open, and deeply connected to what matters most.
Unfinished Business: What I’m Carrying Into 2025
As much as 2024 was a year of growth, there are threads still unspooling, lessons still unfinished. These are the challenges, intentions, and inner work I’m consciously bringing with me into 2025:
These are not failures but invitations—to continue evolving, to lean into the edges of discomfort, and to become more of who I’m meant to be.
One Bold Promise to Myself for 2025
I Will Let Myself Be Seen in More Imperfection.
I promise to show up less polished and more messy—especially when it feels in flow and effortless.
2025 Intentions: The Year of Release
Word for the Year: Release
I choose "Release" for 2025 because so much of my identity has been tied to proving my worth—through achievements, relationships, and performance. I want this year to be about letting go of the need to earn love, respect, and belonging. To believe that my presence alone is enough. To rest in the certainty that my value is intrinsic and unshakable.
My intention is to release the part of me that constantly strives to prove my worth. I want to let go of the identity of "the prover"—the one who feels the need to outperform, dominate, or impress to feel valuable. In its place, I want to cultivate ease, authenticity, and the quiet confidence that comes from simply being.
I want to self-source safety, connection, fulfillment, and peace. I want to embrace moments of rest without guilt and surrender my need for control. This is about releasing the belief that intensity and achievement validate me. Instead, I will create space for a self that feels whole without external affirmation.
An Ideal/Joyful Life for Me in 2025 Is:
A life where validation and fulfillment come from within. Where I move through the world rooted in my worthiness, unafraid to be seen in my raw and unpolished state. A life of presence over performance, process over outcome, and joy without striving.
This year, I will let go to let in. I will release what weighs me down to make space for what truly matters.
2025, I’m ready to meet you with open hands—releasing, instead of grasping.
And to you, I’m wishing you a 2025 that resonates with what you need most. Thank you for being here with me.
In love and gratitude,
Dave