Today I’m writing to you from my favourite location on this planet that I know of: the French Alps.
Being amongst these mountains on New Years eve I realise how simple and inconsequential my life is. This has many upsides, but one of the downsides is that I have nothing to brag about online (or offline for that matter). I am perfectly happy just walking around for hours with my wife and looking at the mountains, the light, the clouds, the chalets, the people. Days may pass where I have done nothing but getting a baguette.
New Years Resolutions 2025
Last year I decided to finally quit alcohol, start meditating and start working out at the gym. I did those things during most of 2025, with the support and participation of my wife, and am happy enough about them to continue in 2026.
I also wanted to start working on a new book and make more artsy fartsy photographs. Those things did not happen, even though I wrote some nice stories (in Dutch). My motivation is too mirky for a book or to setup artistic shoots. I feel my motivation is more in the genre of ‘look at me writing this book / shooting these scenes’ rather than for the enjoyment of the process, to be honest.
In 2025 I also wanted to start working on my driving skills, but my MR2 broke down and I had to wait several months and part with a bunch of money to get it on the road again, just in time for the winter. Will carry that resolution over to 2026.
New Years Resolutions 2026
New for 2026 are the following:
Work on the MR2 myself (with some help)
I would like to learn mechanics and ‘do’ mechanics. A lifelong dream of mine has been working on cars, but it was not a good career for me I inferred at a young age (not that I have one now). This year the engine of my MR2 needed a rebuild and rust treatment needs to be done, which is best handled by professionals I guess. Maybe in 2026 I can upgrade the brakes or add a sporty muffler, with some help.
Allow myself to be more of an adolescent
All my life I have been overly cautious and pretty scared of everything, except for a small hiatus while my brain had some development issues and I drove my mums Renault into a ditch. Fortunately all this nonsense is now fading away, with occasional help from professionals in the field of human psychology. I would like to dial up the adolescent in me a bit to live life fuller and be less hesitant.
- Be less bothered about how things are ‘supposed to be’.
- Act more on impulses without worrying about consequences.
- Occupy space without reserve.
Vlog
What I have found weird for a long time, is that humour is important to me, but I seldom am funny myself. My stories and photography are not humorous. This blog is dry as hell, as you can confirm if you got here. How come? Am I hiding something? I am thinking of starting a low-key vlog, probably about driving and musing while driving (because I like driving and musing). To unhide myself with humour.
A new client for Bloembraaden
So… maybe I am overconfident, but since last year the Bloembraaden platform performed really well I dare articulate my most ambitious goal to date: a new high profile client on my Bloembraaden e-commerce platform to work with, expanding said platform.
Have a great 2026
These last two goals are pretty ambitious for my taste and they compete with each other for time. Not sure if I can invest enough in both, may need to drop one of them. Which one should I definitely do if it means not doing the other?
- Start a vlog.
- Expand Bloembraaden.
If you know, drop me a comment.
Wishing you a healthy and fulfilling 2026.
