I’m never too cool for some big positive statements regarding the future, and what I hope to achieve and become. Today is my twenty-ninth birthday. My twenties have been wonderful. I spent the first bit of them having the time of my life, touring and recording with my band. I got married. I moved to a new city. I bought a house, and through a quite elaborate home renovation, became the type of man that can walk through Home Depot feeling like a badass. I created a very steady and dependable freelance operation on my own, and have been able to create some work that I’m really proud of.

But the reality is that the past couple years have been a bit boring. 2011 was especially dismal. But it’s okay. I knew that, on New Year’s Eve, I was going to do everything I could to bring a steady supply of excitement back to my life. Six days in, I see some really great things on the horizon, and am confident that 29 will be one of my best years in a long time.

We need to keep an urgency to improve our situations. There are avenues that can allow us to be more excited about what we do, and about life in general. Typically, however, we are either too lazy, or convinced that we don’t have the time to pursue those possibilities. Our continued excitement is worth the pursuit, and I have the belief that many of those barriers will work themselves out along the way.

Here’s to a motivated, excited, passionate, active, and happy 29.